How to join the style set at London Fashion Week (for free)

London Fashion Week kicks off this Friday and the style set is preparing to take its seats on the FROW once again. But you no longer need to be an influencer, big brand buyer or Anna Wintour to join the fashion extravaganza. Happily, the (impossibly chic) doors are open to all. 

“Since its launch in 2019, we have enjoyed watching the City Wide Celebration programme grow as more stores, restaurants, bars and cultural institutions get involved, helping to bring the joy of London Fashion Week to the whole city,” says Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council. “With over 150 brands participating this season offering bespoke menus, promotions, parties and workshops, there really is something that everyone can get involved with.” 

Nicholas Daley’s FW21 collection (Daley)

From customisation classes for kids, inventive zero waste dinners from Silo and cocktails courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo, there is something for everyone – and plenty of it is for free. Make it a priority to get close to the clothes. The Central Saint Martins graduates will be exhibiting their Masters collections, while LFW staple Nicholas Daley is launching his first solo retail space, a pop-up shop to introduce you to his world. “It’s important to meet the communities, collaborators and supporters of the brand and introduce them to a specially curated space that is accessible and fun,” he says. “I look forward to opening the doors and inviting all to enjoy!"

Party time

French Connection

Head to Duke Street to celebrate in true LFW style. Complimentary drinks will be flowing, flick through rails for retail therapy, and sit down to a free manicure from wellness gurus Pamper Puff. Expect DJs, goody bags, and even candlemaking workshops with Bable.

Feb 19, 12pm – 4pm, French Connection, Duke Street, W1K 

Salvatore Ferragamo

Penchant for cocktails? Salvatore Ferragamo is the brand to know. Pay a visit to their Old Bond Street shop to cheers the SS22 collection, and watch Italian jazz musician Noemi perform. There will be Mediterranean snacks, aperitivos courtesy of Bar Splendid and you’ll head home with a personalised bag – special gift included. 

Feb 18 – 19, 10am – 6pm, Salvatore Feragamo, Old Bond Street, W1S 

Tracey Neuls

Marking the footwear brand’s twentieth anniversary, Tracey Neuls’ Geek Sneaker has been re-interpreted by artist Keira Rathbone using typewriters. The boutique has been transformed to a workplace, so drop in for complimentary tea, coffee – and whiskey. 

Feb 18 – 22, 10am – 6pm, Tracey Neuls, Marylebone Lane, W1U

Central Saint Martins’s ahead of the MA Fashion show and exhibition (Central Saint Martins)

Take a look

Central Saint Martins

Have face time with all 55 collections hot off the Central Saint Martins’ MA Fashion runway, which takes place Sunday 20 February. The day after the show, go to the Lethaby Gallery, part of CSM’s Kings Cross building, to explore the show room and added extras including new photography and moving image. 

Feb 21 – Mar 2, Mon – Fri 11am – 6pm, Sat 12pm – 5pm, Lethaby Gallery Kings Cross, N1

London College of Fashion

Catch the cutting edge by visiting London College of Fashion’s LCFMA22 showroom, and get a first-hand look at the designers of tomorrow. Creations from the masters graduates are to include menswear and womenswear seen on live models, new footwear, fashion films and photography.

Feb 19, 12pm – 5pm, Victoria House Basement, WCQ

Samsung X Charles Jeffrey 

To watch the shows on the big screen, Samsung invites you to its swanky store at the heart of Coals Drop Yard. A notable absentee from LFW’s schedule this season is Charles Jeffrey, but exclusive clips from his new partnership with Samsung will be playing here instead.

Feb 18 – 22, 11am – 7pm, Samsung Coal Drops Yard, N1C

Charles Jeffrey’s Loverboy collection SS22 (Loverboy)

‘A Fine Line in Fashion’

At design & textiles gallery Gray M.C.A, a new exhibition brings together more than 30 works by fashion illustrator Gladys Perint Palmer. Think bright colour strokes that capture some of the best couture looks from Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Feb 15 – 20, 10am – 5pm, Gray M.C.A Cromwell Place, SW7

Get hands on

Brora

If your knitwear in on its last legs, rejoice! Shelly, the seamstress behind @_sewingsmith_, will be in store teaching the skills you need to ‘stitch it rather than ditch it’. And if your Brora cashmeres have got to the point of no return, you can exchange them in store for recycling, and leave with a £25 voucher to go towards a replacement.

Feb 18 – 19, 11am – 4pm, Brora Marylebone High Street, W1U

Fashion School

One for the kids. Children aged 10 – 15 are invited to meet fashion students and their tutors for two customisation workshops on the Kings Road. Just dig out an old garment – anything from sweatshirts to an old pair of jeans – and spend a couple of hours breathing some art college flair into them. You will leave with something unique.

Feb 19, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm, Fashion School Kings Road, SW3

Foot Locker

Shoe shop Foot Locker is joining forces with the Instagram hyped sneaker customizers FRE Customs. Make it down to the Marble Arch store for the chance to get your kicks re-vamped. That means hand painting, spray painting, and a little polish. It will be great to watch, even if you do not want anyone touching your trainers. Ever.

Feb 19 – 20, 1pm – 5pm, Foot Locker Oxford Street, W1C

Matches Fashion X Silo

The style set’s favourite shop, Matches Fashion, is partnering with the first zero waste restaurant Silo for chic snacks all week. The Raey café will be serving up climate conscious breakfasts, lunches, and an afternoon menu, before you take a look at the upcoming talents – from Harris Reed to Bianca Saunders – showcased inside.

Feb 18 – 22, 10am – 5pm, 5 Carlos Place, W1K

Shop ‘till you drop

Erdem 

Have a peek at Erdem’s debut collection for men, and try the Pre-Spring 22 collection for size before you buy. From floral prints to the flowing gowns the Duchess of Cambridge loves and bucket hats and blazers for the boys, there is something for everyone at the South Audley Street store. Enjoy a complimentary gift with purchase too.

Feb 18 – 22, 9am – 6pm, Erdem South Audley Street, W1K

Erdem’s debut menswearwear collection, AW22, available to try in store (Erdem)

Nicholas Daley 

For limited time only, Nicholas Daley will play host to a pop up shop for all to browse. The designs, which mix his Jamaican and Scottish heritage, have been a mainstay on the fashion week circuit since his Central Saint Martins graduation in 2013. Treat yourself to a hand knitted vest or beret then head out to impress the street style photographers.  

Feb 15 – 27, Mon – Fri 11am – 7pm, Sat – Sun 11am – 5pm, 59 Greek Street, W1D

Dover Street Market 

Just in time for the shows, Dover Street Market has installed some new high fashion additions. Head to the Haymarket superstore to see Pieter Mulier’s first collection for Alaïa, and shop Nigo’s first drop at Kenzo, the show that had Kanye West, Julia Fox and Pharrell all queueing up to get a glimpse in Paris last month.

Daily, 11am – 17pm, Dover Street Market Haymarket, SW1