Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
London Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated and influential events in the global fashion calendar, attracting the crème de la crème of the industry, from designers and models, to editors and celebrities. The bi-annual event showcases the latest collections and trends from the British and international fashion scene, as well as offering a platform for emerging and experimental talent. London Fashion Week is not only about the catwalk shows, however. It is also about the buzz and the glamour that surrounds the event, from the parties and the pop-ups, to the exhibitions and the experiences. Whether you are a fashion insider or a curious spectator, here are some of the best places to see and be seen during London Fashion Week.
The Store X
The Store X is the official venue for London Fashion Week, hosting the main shows and presentations, as well as the Designer Showrooms, where you can discover and shop the latest collections from over 150 designers. The Store X is also a cultural hub, offering a range of events and activities, such as talks, workshops, screenings, and performances, curated by the British Fashion Council and its partners. The Store X is located at 180 Strand, a Brutalist building that has been transformed into a creative space, featuring a café, a bookshop, a radio station, and a co-working area. The Store X is the place to be if you want to catch the action and the atmosphere of London Fashion Week.
The Connaught
The Connaught is one of the most iconic and elegant hotels in London, and a favourite among the fashion elite. The hotel offers a luxurious and refined stay, with its sumptuous rooms and suites, its Michelin-starred restaurants, its award-winning spa, and its impeccable service. The hotel is also home to The Deli, a chic and cosy spot that serves delicious sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee, with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own farm. The Deli is the perfect place to grab a bite or a break between the shows, or to enjoy a relaxed and stylish afternoon tea. The Connaught is also known for its art collection, which features works by some of the most renowned contemporary artists, such as Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, and Tracey Emin. The hotel is located in the heart of Mayfair, close to some of the best shopping and dining options in the city.
Dover Street Market
Dover Street Market is a fashion mecca, a multi-brand concept store that features some of the most cutting-edge and avant-garde labels in the world. The store is curated by Rei Kawakubo, the founder and creative director of Comme des Garçons, and showcases her own collections, as well as those of other designers, such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Prada, and Vetements. The store is also a destination for art and culture, hosting exhibitions, installations, and events, featuring artists and collaborators, such as Ai Weiwei, David Lynch, and Nick Knight. Dover Street Market is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers, who can find everything from clothing and accessories, to books and magazines, to jewellery and perfume, in a dynamic and inspiring setting.
Sketch
Sketch is a quirky and eclectic venue that combines art, food, and entertainment, in a series of themed rooms and spaces. The venue is famous for its afternoon tea, served in The Gallery, a pink-hued room that displays the works of British artist David Shrigley, and features witty and whimsical crockery and cutlery. The venue is also known for its futuristic and Instagrammable toilets, which are shaped like egg pods, and play ambient sounds and music. Sketch is also a place to enjoy cocktails, dinner, and live music, in The Parlour, The Lecture Room, The Glade, or The East Bar. Sketch is a place to have fun and indulge in a sensory and artistic experience, during London Fashion Week and beyond.
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum, or the V&A, is the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance, and a treasure trove of fashion history and culture. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects, spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient to contemporary, from textiles and costumes, to jewellery and accessories, to photography and prints. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and displays, that explore various aspects and themes of fashion, such as the current show, Bags: Inside Out, which examines the function, status, and craftsmanship of bags, from the 16th century to the present day. The museum also offers a programme of events and activities, such as talks, workshops, tours, and performances, that complement and enrich the exhibitions. The V&A is a place to learn and appreciate the art and craft of fashion, and to discover the stories and meanings behind the objects.
