For the serious fashionista, a trip to London isn’t just about shopping on Oxford Street. As one of the world’s fashion capitals, London is the ideal location for a Fashion-inspired holiday. From Fashion Week to the Victoria and Albert museum, plan your next holiday around the city’s fashion calendar.
London Fashion Week
London hosts fashion week twice a year with February showing the Autumn/Winter collections and September presenting Spring/Summer. Filled with quintessential British designers including, Mulberry, Burberry, Christopher Kane and Issa (to name just a few) London Fashion Week is the place for every fashionista to see and be seen. Generally, the catwalk shows are invitation only and unless you’ve won a ticket or been able to blag one as a blogger or member of the press, you won’t be able to get inside. However, the main areas, such as Somerset House are open to the general public and provide a wonderful opportunity to get up close with the glitterati. Grab a coffee and watch the array of boldly dressed fashionistas wander the cobbled streets, being photographed at every opportunity.
Museums
The hub of art and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum is known for its fashion collections. From period clothes dating back to the 19th century to exhibitions by famous designers, a visit to the V&A is a must for those who are serious about their style. If you’re planning a trip to London, check out the upcoming exhibitions at the V&A. If you’re with someone who’s not that interested in fashion there’s still plenty to see at the museum, including photography, books and architecture.
Founded by famed British Designer Zandra Rhodes, the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey features contemporary textiles and jewellery. Alongside the changing exhibitions, there’s also the Academy, which runs courses for those wanting to expand or update their skills for the fashion and design industries.
Shopping
Of course, no fashion holiday to London is complete without a visit to one of the city’s famed shopping districts. Whatever your budget, there are a range of shops to help you update your wardrobe with the latest trends. Oxford Street is London’s most famous shopping area with popular high street brands including the flagship Topshop store, Primark, Zara and stylish department store, Selfridges. Oxford Street is notoriously busy so be prepared to battle the crowds to get the latest shift dress or leather jacket.
If you want to treat yourself or just experience the finer things in life then the affluent area of Knightsbridge features the iconic department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Both known for their opulent collections and fashion credentials (Harvey Nichols was the go-to place for lunch for Eddie and Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous) they’re definitely worth a visit, even if you do just end up window shopping!
Saville Row is synonymous with tailored suits and bespoke designs. Built between 1731 and 1735 in Mayfair, it is still the place to go for high quality fashion. For perfectly fitted suits make an appointment with one of the tailors on the pretty, terraced street or just stroll along the fashionable road and absorb the style around you. You also never know who you’ll see on the street, as Prince Charles, Ralph Fiennes and designer Tom Ford have been known to buy their suits here.
Next time you’re booking a holiday to London, don’t just make it the usual tourist driven adventure. Instead, inject a bit of style into your trip and see why London is called the fashion capital.
Sarah Murray attended London Fashion Week on behalf of Appliances Online and LG.
