We’re all gearing up for the glitz and glam of London Fashion week at the beginning of September. With the best designers and the style elite planning to be in the UK’s capital next month, there’s no time like the present to book into one of our London hotels and brush up on your knowledge of the world of couture. If you have always had a fixation with the catwalk, or simply love checking out the edgy designs, you don’t need front row tickets to the hottest shows to make the most of Fashion Week. Check out some of these hot London spots and soak up the best of the buzz:
Portobello Road
One of the world’s most famous fashion markets is a must-see for anyone who knows their Dolce from their Dior. Most tourists head to Notting Hill, but if you’re more likely to swoon over a vintage Chanel clutch than try and find that famous blue door from the Hugh Grant film, then wander the length of the street on a Saturday, when the market stalls are in full swing. Here, you’ll find second hand stalls side-by-side with stalls starring young new designers.
Camden
Home to numerous trendy music joints and with a strong rock’n’roll heritage, you’ll find parts of Camden to be prime territory for cool-kid hang outs. The alternative, hipster scene is strong in this northern borough, and the cafés, bars and music venues are popular with the fashion lot. Shop in vintage boutiques or go bargain-hunting at the street stands.
Saville Row
Nestled in the West End’s Mayfair, Saville Row has a more straight-laced vibe than the anything-goes scene in Camden. While your bashed up Converse may look kitsch in Camden, they just won’t cut it on London’s most well-tailored street. Visit Saville Row to see the artisans who still make suits the traditional way, and to appreciate the beautifully-dressed men and women who buy them. Remember to give your brogues a polish and tuck in those shirt tails before you dander with the dandies on Saville Row!
Brick Lane
If you sometimes wish you could switch decades with your parents, Brick Lane is the place for you. It’s all about retro on this street, so if you fancy bringing along a yo-yo, or donning an eighties power-suit, then you’ll fit in just fine. The market on Sundays is another that pulls people from all over the city and is famed for its vintage bargains and pop-up sample sales.
Bond Street
If you’re a fan of big labels take an amble along Bond Street. You’ll see all the top designer names – Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana – and you might even catch sight of a few faces you recognise too. Don’t be surprised if some of the shops have bouncers and locked front doors – not all your general riff-raff is allowed to slip into thousands of pounds worth of couture. But stick your nose in the air and strut in with confidence, and you’ll find yourself in fashion heaven.
Somerset House
All fashionable corners of the city join together for the 13th to 17th September for London Fashion Week at Somerset House. Put on your favourite purchases from your London shopping exploits, and join the crowds at the most important event of the UK fashion season.
