London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week stands alongside New York, Milan and Paris as part of the "Big Four" fashion weeks making up fashion month. It is the second fashion week taking place during fashion month, following New York and preceding Milan and Paris. London Fashion Week is the newest of the four — its first edition was organized in February 1984 by the British Fashion Council for the London Development Agency, held at the Commonwealth Institute's car park in Kensington.
London Fashion Week hosts spring collections shows in September, while fall collections are historically shown in February.
The city's fashion week was bolstered in 1985 when Princess Diana held a reception for various designers at Lancaster House.
In 1993, the British Fashion Council established the Newgen program, which helped support emerging designers. Newgen offers designers financial support, showcasing opportunities and mentoring to develop critical skills to help designers future-proof their businesses.
London Fashion Week has been through several venue changes, including Somerset House, Soho's Brewer Street and The Store Studios on The Strand, though many shows take place offsite at venues like Tate Modern and Royal Courts of Justice.
London's fashion scene was influenced early on from the city's clubs and counterculture — that vibe carries through to today, as many young, edgy designers show during London Fashion Week.
The city is known for classic British designs, including from Burberry. In recent years, eyes are also on Jonathan Anderson and his J.W. Anderson label, as well as Charles Jeffrey's Loverboy.
London Fashion Week has hosted its share of memorable moments, including Naomi Campbell walking topless for Philip Treacy in 1993; Spice Girl Mel B walking for Julien Macdonald in 1999; and Shalom Harlow twirling while robots spray painted her dress at Alexander McQueen's 1999 show.
London Fashion Week
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi RTW Fall 2020
The designers introduced modern suiting to their collection.
Roland Mouret RTW Fall 2020
Mouret is one of very few designers who is looking at sustainability from 360-degree angle, and after the…
Richard Quinn RTW Fall 2020
The designer opened up his "fashion dreamhouse" filled with eccentric characters, riotous colors and…
Rixo Celebrates Collaboration With House of Christian Lacroix in London
Designers Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey reworked the French fashion house's vintage patterns in an…
Dilara Findikoglu RTW Fall 2020
Her characters have grown into expensive ladies who wear tweed jackets.
Kiko Kostadinov RTW Fall 2020
The Fanning sisters get geometrical and deceptive with the fall collection.
A.W.A.K.E. Mode RTW Fall 2020
Soviet aerobics, sci-fi and tailoring collided in Natalia Alaverdian's collection.
Halpern RTW Fall 2020
Halpern delivered a collection of contrasts, volume and prints.
Victoria Beckham RTW Fall 2020
The designer took Penelope Tree and the ever-cool Marisa Berenson as her inspirations, pairing wool A-line…
Roberta Einer Eschews the Runway, and Hosts Dinner at Claridge’s Instead
The designer, like so many indie London talents, is looking for alternatives in a competitive world.
Marques’ Almeida RTW Fall 2020
Marques'Almeida's collection was filled with bright colors, prints and ruffles.
Pringle of Scotland RTW Fall 2020
Stringer contrasted bold colors with monochrome graphics for a modern uptake on knitwear.
Eftychia RTW Fall 2020
The up-and-coming designer continued to focus on women's tailoring, delivering impressive constructions and a…
Amanda Wakeley RTW Fall 2020
The designer worked elements of Japanese and Nepalese culture into this laid-back luxe collection.
Vivienne Westwood RTW Fall 2020
Westwood's presentation was a commentary on justice, sustainability and Julian Assange.