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
London Fashion Week Fall 2017: Ones to Watch
Check out some emerging names showing their fall collections during London Fashion Week.
London Label Vin + Omi Teams With Michelle Violy Harper on a Capsule Collection
The capsule collection will debut on Feb. 20 during London Fashion Week.
Aeance Makes Strides With Steven Tai
The premium activewear brand's next collection gets a colorful kick from the London-based designer.
British Fashion Council Re-brands London Fashion Weekend, Sets New Venue for London Fashion Week
The BFC said the change is due to "an increasingly big appetite from both brands and public to open up our…
Manuel Facchini RTW Spring 2017
Facchini looked to sculptures and aquatic underwater creatures for his spring presentation held at the…
Ugg x Preen Debuts <em>Unexpected</em> Look
Ugg made a surprise appearance at London Fashion Week, stomping the runway in a new collaboration with Preen…
<b>Crocs</b> Teams with Christopher Kane for London Fashion Week
A fashion faux pas, a social pariah, the often mocked Crocs are now having their fashion moment. Crocs and…
Edeline Lee Spring 2017
The London-based designer was influenced by the British capital and post-Brexit for her spring presentation.
Steven Tai RTW Spring 2017
Canadian-born Steven Tai carried on with his bookish muse for his spring presentation, held at the Elms…
Sadie Williams RTW Spring 2017
The London-based designer looked to nautical codes, signals and graphic maritime alphabet flags for her…
JD.com Stages Runway Show of Chinese Brands in London
Brands on show included Eve de Cina, Ne Tiger and By Creations
Osman RTW Spring 2017
Osman Yousefzada cast models off the street for the first time and using friends and collaborators in his…
Mother of Pearl RTW Spring 2017
Mother of Pearl creative director Amy Powney nailed it.
Pat Cleveland Celebrates Book in London
Guests included Donatella Versace, Winnie Harlow, Ellen von Unwerth, Philip Treacy and Clive Arrowsmith.
Boden Hosts Future British Presentation
Five young brands showcased their collections at the BFC Show Space.