London Fashion Week
- Additional Name(s)
-
LFW
- Founded
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1984
- Frequency
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Semiannually
- Location
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London, UK
- Organizer
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British Fashion Council
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
British Fashion Council Taps Business, Diversity Expert Pavita Cooper as Next Chair
Cooper will succeed David Pemsel on Oct. 1, with Tank magazine's Caroline Issa taking up the newly created…
What to Watch: London Fashion Week Gains Online Momentum as Laura Weir Pulls Brands Back to the Schedule
A strengthened schedule featuring McQueen, Mulberry and Marks & Spencer, plus emerging labels, underpins the…
Laura Weir Aims to Take Fashion Beyond London and Into Cities Across the U.K.
Building on the BFC's 2030 vision, the new decentralization program spans six cities and aims to turn British…
EXCLUSIVE: McQueen Channels Noir Desire in Fall Campaign Starring Karen Elson
Shot by Glen Luchford, the new campaign also features Paloma Elsesser, Jacqui Hooper and Xiao Wen in a…
McQueen and Mulberry Anchor a Charged London Fashion Week Fall Schedule
Seán McGirr's London debut at McQueen and Christopher Kane's first collection for Mulberry, joining the likes…
EXCLUSIVE: H&M Taps Nick Knight for London Fashion Week Show on Sept. 17
London's spring 2027 showcase is heating up, with H&M the latest brand to rejoin the calendar after Marks…
BFC Urges New U.K. Government to Invest in British Fashion Industry
The British Fashion Council held its summer party at London's Serpentine Pavilion on Wednesday.
Marks & Spencer to Show See Now, Buy Now Collection at London Fashion Week in September
The show will mark the retailer's 100th year in business, and give it visibility as it pushes its clothing…
EXCLUSIVE: Mulberry Returns to London Fashion Week With Christopher Kane’s Debut Collection
Mulberry is the latest British brand to return to London Fashion Week with a runway show scheduled for Sept…
Julien Macdonald Revs Up Business With New Investor, Dale Wood, on Board
The designer has launched a new website, and is taking his show on the road, with parties and presentations…
EXCLUSIVE: Alexander McQueen to Return to London Fashion Week With September Runway Show
The brand, which usually shows in Paris, will join the official London calendar with a slot booked for Sept…
Laura Weir Rewires the British Fashion Council as an Incubator, Targets 18 Million Pounds in Annual Revenue by 2030
The growth plan is built on philanthropic capital, global partnerships and incubator‑style projects designed…
David Koma Fall 2026: Elegant and Untouchable
The starting point of the collection was his daily walk through Hyde Park, where swans cut a calm line…
London Fashion Week Delivered Creative Denim
Designers were driven by youth, subcultures and the deconstruction of traditional silhouettes.
Denim Street Style at London Fashion Week
Bold washes and cutouts added to the individuality of street style looks.