London Fashion Week: The First Timers' Guide

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Collections from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Mary Katrantzou and Christopher Kane will be gracing the catwalk this week courtesy of London’s biggest style extravaganza; London Fashion Week is returning for its 29th run since it launched in 1984.

Back then the event was held in a West London car park and provided a platform for fashion giants such as John Galliano and Betty Jackson to break the mould. Nowadays, LFW is a world renowned event which has gone on to become a key player in the ‘big four’ fashion events alongside Paris, Milan and New York.

If you have managed to get your hands on a pair of exclusive show tickets for the first time, you’re probably wondering what to expect. If you haven’t had such luck however there’s a plethora of free Fashion Week related events taking place across London which are there for the taking. Read on for the Fiorelli guide to LFW:

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What to wear to London Fashion Week?

• You would be forgiven for thinking that LFW calls for tottering heels and sky high platform shoes. Think again. The cobblestones of Somerset House teamed with frantic dashing in-between shows and venues means that the majority settle on brogues or even trainers on their feet- flat shoes are all the rage.

•  Despite LFW being held in mid-September, rocking up in a statement pair of sunglasses is practically a rule.

• Outfit wise, the fashion train are likely to be coveting this A/W’s key trends: masculine silhouettes, plaid prints, grunge inspired boots and baby pink are all hotly tipped to make an appearance.

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Who to look out for?

• Cara Delevingne has taken the world by storm this year, but there’s a new face on the block. Scouted whilst out shopping, 17 year old Grace Anderson is the new model of the moment and has modelled for the likes of Chanel and JW Anderson.

• Barbara Casasola is one to watch this year. This eponymous Brazilian newcomer is making her designer debut at fashion week with silky block coloured gowns and luxe evening wear.

What to do if you don’t have a ticket?

• The team over at Secret Cinema have set up a pop up cinema screen in Covent Garden and will be showcasing fashion inspired films and snippets of catwalk shows and highlights for the duration of LFW. 

• Oxford Street is hosting its very own mini-fash week with industry talks from British designers and blogger style advice sessions aplenty, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

• If you are hell bent on seeing your favourite designers' collection, most of the shows are now streamed live online so you can frow direct from your armchair without the hassle of craning your neck to peer through the audience - we’ll see you down the front!

What are you most looking forward to about LFW?