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
Molly Goddard RTW Spring 2018
There was a self-assured, womanly air to Molly Goddard's collection.
Mother of Pearl RTW Fall 2017
Amy Powney channeled the experience of remodeling her home into a strong collection.
J.W. Anderson RTW Spring 2018
With its spare lines, raw edges and patchworked fabrics, this collection laid bare the impact a new…
Roberta Einer RTW Spring 2018
Here was an explosion of shimmer, sheen and sparkle that felt youthful, relevant and cool.
Marta Jakubowski RTW Spring 2018
The designer's deliberately imperfect constructions offered an alternative to classic women's staples.
Ryan Lo RTW Spring 2018
The designer immersed himself in all things British, walking the line between rebel-chic and baby-doll cute.
Shrimps RTW Spring 2018
Romance was in the air at Shrimps, the colorful faux-fur label designed by Hannah Weiland.
Pam Hogg RTW Spring 2018
Bright swaths of color lit up Pam Hogg's runway for spring.
Peter Jensen RTW Spring 2018
Jensen picked up where he left off last season, taking his cue from the late American actress Sandy Dennis'…
Orla Kiely RTW Spring 2018
Kiely referenced the Seventies R&B group The Pointer Sisters for spring.
London Fashion Week Overshadowed by Terrorist Incident
Police are treating the explosion on a London Underground train as a terrorist attack.
Burberry to Mount ‘Here We Are’ Exhibit, Reveals New Show Venue
The exhibit, which will feature over 200 photos, was curated by Bailey, writer, curator and director of…
Ralph & Russo to Show Debut Ready-to-Wear Collection in London
The couture house will hold its first rtw show on Sept. 15 during London Fashion Week.
House of Fraser to Purchase Issa Label From Camilla Al Fayed
The fall 2017 range will be available for purchase in-store and online later this fall.
British Fashion Council Names 15 NewGen Recipients
Taking cue from a new format, which was unveiled earlier this year, the sponsorship will be awarded yearly to…