Experience London Fashion Week with iBestTravel
One of the most hotly anticipated fixtures on the fashion calendar, London Fashion Week, is taking place on February 18–22 as a hybrid digital–physical event.
This is an opportunity for top British designers to showcase their collections of womenswear, menswear, and gender-neutral clothing. Here’s how you can engage with the official show and find an alternative fashion fix across London throughout the week.
How to Experience London Fashion Week in 2022
London Fashion Week is one of the prestigious “Big Four” biannual fashion events, which includes New York, Milan, and Paris. Traditionally, members of the general public could purchase tickets to limited shows; however, for 2022’s five-day spectacular, attendees need to seek advance accreditation for all physical shows and then request invitations from each brand to access catwalks and events. If you’re not a fashion buyer, industry insider, or social media influencer attending in a professional capacity, gaining entry may be challenging.
The good news is that the London Fashion Week digital hub is continuously updated and accessible year-round for anyone interested in viewing or purchasing collections. The provisional digital line-up for February 2022 includes a diverse schedule of catwalk shows, presentations, appointments, and events throughout the city. So, what more can you do to celebrate in London if you’re feeling inspired by the trade’s top fashions?
Explore the Collections and Exhibitions at the V&A
The Victoria & Albert Museum sets the standard for design-focused museums globally. Alongside its permanent fashion collection (head to Room 40), it hosts extraordinary exhibitions spotlighting groundbreaking designers, including Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Christian Dior. The Fashion in Motion series showcases live fashion events at the V&A, bringing the catwalk experience to a broader audience. Remarkably, entrance to the museum is free (pre-book your entry time), and tickets to temporary exhibitions rarely exceed £20.
Browse Unique Pieces
Whether you’re engaged in window shopping or searching for a complete wardrobe refresh, London offers a wealth of opportunities. Explore the luxury of Liberty on Regent Street or Selfridges on Oxford Street, or discover quirky finds at Annie’s Vintage Costume & Textiles in Camden.
London’s suburban high streets often feature charity shops and volunteer-run stores selling donated pre-loved fashions. One notable shop is Mary’s Living & Giving Shop in Islington, where you might encounter designer dresses or jackets ranging from £60 to £80, with proceeds supporting a children’s charity.
The vibrant neighborhoods of Spitalfields, Dalston, Shoreditch, and Brick Lane are also worth visiting for an array of second-hand and thrift stores featuring unique and one-of-a-kind items. Vintage sportswear can often be found at the stalls in Old Spitalfields Market.
Be Seen in the Fashion Scene
Your chances of mingling at an exclusive after-show party are slim. Since the British Fashion Council is not hosting an official Show Space and locations of physical events remain undisclosed, it’s even harder to encounter the Fashion Week crowd. Your best bet for an up-close experience may be at the official hotel of London Fashion Week, The Londoner in Leicester Square. You might find yourself in the company of fashion elites over breakfast or enjoying a well-deserved Bloody Mary.
Addressing Sustainability in Fashion
It’s widely recognized that the fashion industry struggles with sustainability issues. While Extinction Rebellion has previously urged for the cancellation of such fashion events in London, the group continues to advocate for reducing environmental impact through upcycling, swapping, and purchasing second-hand goods. Their message remains relevant, encouraging a shift towards responsible consumer habits.
This article was first published on Sep 5, 2019, and updated on Jan 28, 2022.
