Why you don't need a ticket to enjoy London Fashion Week

london-fashion-week
London Fashion Week kicks off in a matter of weeks [Photo: Getty]

We’ve swapped our Birkenstocks for mules and are already on the hunt for this season’s must-have coat. Yes, it can mean only one thing. September (AKA fashion month) is in full swing.

On the 15th of September, all eyes (and camera lenses) will be on London, as the city gears up to showcase the capital’s sartorial talent for another season.

Renowned for luxe-meets-athleisure dressing, London is home to some of the world’s most respected designers. Every season, the fashion elite can only sit and pray for tickets to the most sought-after shows. Burberry, J.W. Anderson and Christopher Kane certainly hold this almighty power.

Simone Rocha is also a firm favourite season after season [Photo: Getty]
Simone Rocha is also a firm favourite season after season [Photo: Getty]

But with tales of star-studded parties and snaps of A-list FROW regulars soon to hit the front pages, it’s easy to presume that the five-day event prohibits us mere mortals from attendance.

Think again. Yes, the event is ticketed but there are spin-off exhibitions, designer pop-up stores and runway shows where everyone is a VIP.

Don’t believe us? Check out the ways in which you can get involved in London Fashion Week September 2017 without a ticket (or friend of a friend who knows someone in the business)…

The must-see exhibition

It’s all change at Burberry. No longer can we expect to find the Brit label down at Maker’s House, as the brand has announced a major move this season.

The forthcoming SS18 show will be held at a new Clerkenwell base and will be accompanied by a photography exhibition titled ‘Here We Are’.

Alasdair McLellan regularly shoots for Burberry [Photo: Instagram]
Alasdair McLellan regularly shoots for Burberry [Photo: Instagram]

Curated by President and chief creative director Christopher Bailey, the space will celebrate the work of over 30 20th century social and documentary photographers. So, you can expect to find the works of fellow Yorkshireman Alasdair McLellan, Shirley Baker and Martin Parr.

Burberry is set to hold a photography exhibition during London Fashion Week [Photo: Dafydd Jones, 1988]
Burberry is set to hold a photography exhibition during London Fashion Week [Photo: Dafydd Jones, 1988]

The exhibition will be held over three floors at Old Sessions House and will coincide with the brand’s September show.

The exhibition will run from the 18th September to 1st October 2017. A series of workshops will also take place during this period and tickets will be available from the website.

London Fashion Week Festival

Without doubt, London Fashion Week Festival is the best way to experience the action this season.

Held at The Store Studios (just like the sister event), the festival will enable guests to take part in everything from exclusive panel discussions with industry experts to runway shows. Consider it a must for those wishing to break into the fashion business.

London Fashion Week Festival gives attendees the chance to sit FROW [Photo: Getty]
London Fashion Week Festival gives attendees the chance to sit FROW [Photo: Getty]

This season, there will be the opportunity to hear from Lesley Miller, a curator behind the ‘Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion’ exhibition. And Alice Temperley will also be in attendance to discuss her new book, ‘English Myths and Legends’.

Just make sure to remember your credit card too, as there will be the chance to shop over 150 designer pop-up stores from House of Sunny to Paper London.

The four-day event will take place from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th September and prices start from £20 for the Bronze ticket package.

Tickets are available to purchase now but make sure to hurry, as it’s bound to be a sell-out…

The Regent Street Style Sketch Show

After the success of last season, the Style Sketch Show is returning to Regent Street this September. Fashion illustrators Jo Bird and Willa Gebbie will be based in some of the most prestigious stores in London from Tommy Hilfiger to Aquascutum to sketch a handful of the best-dressed shoppers.

Make sure to don your finest attire during London Fashion Week for the chance to be illustrated [Illustration: Willa Gebby]
Make sure to don your finest attire during London Fashion Week for the chance to be illustrated [Illustration: Willa Gebby]

Those spotted donning their best clobber will be invited to pose for a drawing which they will then be able to keep. So make sure to get sartorially prepping in advance…

Regent Street’s Speaker Series

In celebration of Fashion and Design Month, a series of industry talks will also be held in prestigious spots along Regent Street.

Café Royal will play host to some of the exclusive talks from industry experts this season
Café Royal will play host to some of the exclusive talks from industry experts this season

Confirmed speakers include the likes of slogan jumper extraordinaire Bella Freud, hair stylist Sam McKnight and costume designer Jenny Beavan.

Designer Bella Freud is one of the confirmed speakers at the event
Designer Bella Freud is one of the confirmed speakers at the event

The exclusive talks will be held in locations including Thomas’ Café at Burberry, Ralph’s Bar at Polo Ralph Lauren and Café Royal.

The panel discussions are first come first served so make sure to secure your free place in advance.

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