For the fashionable city residents among us, there’s only one calendar date in London worth making a note of: London Fashion Week 2024. And it just so happens that the first of its bi-annual events which will take place this weekend celebrating its 40th anniversary!
A more exciting diary fixture than Christmas for the clothes-minded, London Fashion Week brings a whole lotta glitz, glam and culture to the city every February and September (along with an army of people effortlessly running around in stacked heels without breaking their ankles) – and if you want to get amongst it, you’re gonna wanna read on. Here’s an insider’s ultimate guide to London Fashion Week 2024.
So, what is London Fashion Week?
London Fashion Week happens bi-annually (once in February and once in September), and if you’re local to 180 Strand, Somerset House or Soho, you’ll likely know it as the time of year that extravagantly dressed fashionistas arrive in herds to 1) be photographed and 2) check out the latest runway trends.
The event is primarily for people working in the industry and sees a large array of esteemed British designers showcase their latest collections for the following season. It’s here that fashion journalists and photographers report on the collections and analyse upcoming trends, which we normal folk then see online and in magazines.
In addition to the big glossies, buyers (from stores such as Harvey Nichols and Selfridges) and celebrities are usually in attendance, too, selecting the styles they’d like to stock (or if they’re a celebrity, wear) next season.
London Fashion Week also sets the tone for what we see the following season in stores (which, for this event, will be Autumn / Winter 2024), when high street brands take inspiration for their own ranges and create watered-down lines that are more suitable (and price-appropriate) for day-to-day styles and regular consumers.
When is London Fashion Week 2024?
London Fashion Week takes place between 16th-20th September 2024 – before the industry flocks to Milan for Italy’s version of the key calendar event.
Where is London Fashion Week taking place in 2024?
Designers tend to host their shows at various top-secret venues across the city, and this year is set to be no different. While in previous year’s London Fashion Week has had a main hub of activity in either 180 Strand or Somerset House, their main hub will take place online – something which the British Fashion Council has done on numerous occasions since the pandemic hit.
For this year’s exhibitions and the BFC Newgen space, attendees will return to The Old Selfridges Hotel.
Freemason’s Hall is another popular show space, typically used for up-and-coming designers that are on the Fashion Scout roster.
How can I get tickets to London Fashion Week 2024?
Unfortunately, the main shows are reserved for those working in the industry and are invite-only (it’s all very exclusive, darling!), but there are a number of events the general public can enjoy throughout the week. This handy map on the LFW website will tell you exactly where and when these Citywide Celebration events are.
Where can I watch the shows?
London Fashion Week will host a digital hub where those who can’t attend the shows can stream them online. Kinda like having a front-row ticket from the comfort of your own home. You can find the official London Fashion Week digital hub here.
What are the highlights this year?
Paul Costelloe kicking off the season with a catwalk at 9am followed by showcases from Edward Crutchley, Sinéad O’Dwyer and Chet Lo this Friday. Additionally, Dunhill is set to make a remarkable return by presenting its first live runway since 2020, led by creative director Simon Holloway.
On Saturday, established names such as Roksanda, Erdem and Simone Rocha are presenting their shows. Expect to see BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund winner 16Arlington showcasing its new collection, BFC Fashion Trust 2023 recipient Molly Goddard in the afternoon alongside the incredible Ahluwalia presenting the designer’s Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots. Finish with the iconic Richard Quinn making his mark on the runway in the evening. On Sunday, expect spectacles from JW Anderson, Eudan Choi, and Saul Nash, before the likes of Burberry and Di Petsa wrap things up on the Monday.
Where should I eat during LFW?
Luckily for Fashion Week goers this year, a large part of the roster for the week is set to take place near some of the best places to dine in London: Marylebone and Covent Garden – and we’ve got just the places to fill your tum.
Places to eat near The Old Selfridges Hotel:
- Flat Iron Marylebone
- The Ivy Asia Mayfair
- Lina Stores Marylebone
- Roti Chai
- Clarette
- Tonkotsu Selfridges
- Aubaine Selfridges
- Crosstown Marylebone
- Arôme Bakery
- Patty & Bun
Places to eat near Freemason’s Hall:
- Barrafina
- Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
- Hoa Sen
- Hawksmoor Seven Dials
- Rosa’s Thai Seven Dials
- Seven Dials Market
- Ave Mario
- The Ivy Market Grill
- San Carlo Cicchetti
- Fatt Pundit
- Buns and Buns
- SushiSamba
What else is happening around London for Fashion Week?
There’ll be various other stylish celebrations happening around London to mark the occasion, including a number of fashion workshops and events, including designer Q&A sessions, workshops around zero-waste craftsmanship and upcycling, limited edition product drops and exclusive shopping experiences. The Fashion School is holding a workshop on how to make sustainable silk sleep masks using sustainable deadstock silk from luxury designers and brands. OG Kicks is presenting an exclusive event spotlighting the fusion of urban style and sneaker culture – the evening is hosted by up and coming artist Ants Kicks who will lead conversations with influencers and industry leaders. An interactive tabac-style kiosk serving 1664 Blanc and Parisian treats has popped up in Selfridges until February 27, along with 12 talks by NEWGEN designers and sneak peeks of their upcoming collections at the Cinema at Selfridges.
Additionally, you can visit the British Fashion Council’s City Wide Celebration of 40 years of London Fashion Week at the Museum of London Docklands.
Launching on Friday 16th February, Covent Garden will unveil a brand new LED light installation, in partnership with designer Paul Smith. The installation will illuminate the arches of the Market Building with lights created in Sir Paul Smith’s signature stripe, celebrating both the historic architectural style of the building and the designer’s signature style.
You can see the full schedule on the LFW website, including events by Selfridges, Vivienne Westwood and Matches Fashion.