Fashion Week Comes to You
Studying fashion in London means you're in the same city as one of the world's most important fashion weeks. This isn't just a spectacle to observe from Instagram—it's an opportunity to engage, learn, and potentially launch your career.
What Actually Happens
London Fashion Week takes place twice yearly—February for Autumn/Winter collections, September for Spring/Summer. Over five days, designers present their upcoming collections through runway shows, presentations, and events.
But the public shows are just part of it:
Showrooms: Where buyers and press view collections up close and place orders
Trade events: Where industry professionals network and do business
Fringe events: Exhibitions, talks, parties, and brand activations
Digital content: Increasingly, collections are presented online alongside physical events
How Students Can Get Involved
Volunteering
Fashion week runs on volunteer labour. It's hard work—long hours, often unpaid—but offers genuine behind-the-scenes experience.
Where to apply:
- British Fashion Council (the official organisers)
- Individual brands showing at fashion week
- PR agencies managing shows
- Production companies
What you might do:
- Front of house and guest management
- Backstage assistance
- Showroom support
- Photography and social media
Apply early—roles are competitive.
University Opportunities
Westminster has strong connections to London Fashion Week. Past opportunities for our students have included:
- Attending shows and presentations
- Backstage access at selected events
- Networking events with industry professionals
- Westminster students showing their own work
Stay connected with your course team about opportunities as fashion week approaches.
Press and Coverage
If you're studying fashion journalism or media, fashion week is content goldmine:
- Street style photography
- Event reviews and commentary
- Social media coverage
- Interviews with emerging designers
Build your portfolio by covering what you can access.
Making the Most of It
Before
Research: Know who's showing and what to expect. Read previews and interviews.
Plan: Map out events you can attend and be realistic about logistics.
Prepare: Charge batteries, clear phone storage, plan outfits if you're attending events.
During
Stay professional: Even as a student, you're representing yourself and your university.
Network thoughtfully: Collect contacts but don't be pushy. A brief conversation is more valuable than forced business card exchanges.
Document smartly: Take photos and notes, but don't experience everything through your phone.
Rest: Fashion week is exhausting. Pace yourself.
After
Follow up: Send thank-you messages to anyone who helped or spoke with you.
Reflect: What did you learn? What surprised you? How does it inform your studies and career goals?
Share: Write about your experience, post thoughtfully on social media, update your portfolio.
Beyond the Runway
Fashion week can feel like it's about celebrity and spectacle. But underneath, it's an industry event where business gets done. Try to see beyond the glamour:
- How are brands positioning themselves?
- What trends are emerging across collections?
- How are sustainability issues being addressed (or ignored)?
- What business models are working?
This analytical perspective will serve you better than simply collecting show invites.
Practical Tips
Getting into shows: Unless you're press or a buyer, show access is difficult. Presentations and off-schedule events are more accessible.
What to wear: Fashion week has no dress code, but it is a chance to express your personal style. Wear something you feel confident in.
Budget: Events themselves are often free, but travel, food, and incidentals add up. London is expensive during fashion week.
Safety: Crowded events mean pickpockets. Late nights require safe transport planning.
The Bigger Picture
Fashion week is one moment in the industry calendar—visible but not representative of everyday fashion work. Most fashion careers involve little fashion week contact. Don't worry if you can't attend everything or access the most exclusive events.
What matters more is the consistent work: your projects, your learning, your developing skills and taste. Fashion week can inspire and educate, but it's not where careers are made.
Use it as motivation, but remember that the person quietly working on their craft matters as much as anyone in the front row.
