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
Marta Jakubowski RTW Fall 2017
The designer's powerful, feminine collection gave a nod to the early Nineties.
Chalayan RTW Fall 2017
The designer wanted to explore the idea of the "new, isolated individuals that the current world order is…
Rejina Pyo Fall 2017
Pyo reaffirmed her brand identity by bringing back some of her signature styles.
WWD Recommends
Dhela RTW Fall 2017
Daniella Helayel's second collection for the label she founded last year was inspired by the muted reds and…
Teatum Jones RTW Fall 2017
The collection was filled with garments that highlighted seams and stitching.
London College of Fashion MA Fall 2017
Ten women's wear degree candidates showcased their ranges at Dutch Hall in east London, with looks ranging…
Eudon Choi RTW Fall 2017
Inspired by minimalist architecture, Choi worked with volume and structure for a sophisticated collection.
Peter Jensen RTW Fall 2017
Jensen had a period of reflection for fall, and decided to look back on previous ranges, and the result was a…
Orla Kiely RTW Fall 2017
Channeling the flair of women such as Marisa Berenson and Diana Vreeland, the designer created long, fluid…
Nickelodeon, Viacom Tap Fashion Designers for SpongeBob Gold Capsule
The 27-piece range is part of the company's SpongeBob Gold brand.
Michael Halpern: A Native New Yorker Takes on London
The designer will stage his first presentation at London Fashion Week Fall 2017.
Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion Students Organize Indie Fashion Show
The designs on display were by first- and second-year students from the two universities, both of which come…
Roksanda Taps Pianist Michael Nyman to Perform at Fall 2017 Show
This is the first time the designer has enlisted a musician to perform live at her show.
British Designer Gareth Pugh Releases Short Film Ahead of London Fashion Week
Filmed in black and white, the production was directed by Ruth Hogben and Andrea Gelardin, who worked with…
British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week to Commemorate Richard Nicoll
The British Fashion Council plans to honor the late designer during London Fashion Week, with a bespoke color…