London Fashion Week is celebrating its 40th anniversary, but what makes it so special?

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London Fashion Week turns 40 this season, so birthday celebrations are in order. Known as one of her four major fashion capitals, along with Milan, Paris and New York, London has established itself as one of the best fashion cities around the world, and is home to British clothing in general. It highlights the love for. According to the British Fashion Council, women’s wear sales in the UK in 2023 are estimated at around £31.9 billion, and men’s wear sales at £15.6 billion.

But before we turn to the upcoming season, with 94 Autumn/Winter 24 shows and events taking place this weekend, including Burberry, Emilia Wickstead and Roksanda, we hear about the most memorable moments from the longest-running stars. We spoke to some of the designers. The last 40 years – supermodel-studded shows, royal guests, celebrity encounters and more are all included.

Paul Costello, who first appeared on the London Fashion Week schedule in 1984 and is currently in charge of the Friday morning slot, is one of the people most familiar with London Fashion Week. “One of my first shows was called ‘Witness’ and it was shown at Olympia in London. The shows at the time were huge and attracted press from all over the world. It was great for influencers and bloggers. No need!” Costelloe shared.

When asked about his most memorable moment, he said that one that comes to mind is “being there when the great Katharine Hamnett met Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street”. However, she did say that “she saw my pink and white linen dress on the catwalk and a few weeks later saw Princess Diana wearing it.” “She always kept an eye on my shows during London Fashion Week. There is an iconic image of her and opera star Luciano Pavarotti wearing my navy silk/satin evening suits. , it just graced the catwalk a week ago,” Costello added, reminding us of the power these fashion shows have in showcasing designers. ‘Bring your collection to a wider audience.

Meanwhile, Philip Treacy’s London Fashion Week journey began shortly after Costello’s 1993 run, when he hosted an alumni show with a supermodel-studded line-up. “I called Christy Turlington and it was incredible to meet her, because she was the most beautiful and sweetest woman in the world. She said OK, and other supermodels I convinced everyone to come to this show. That was my beginning at London Fashion Week, the fashion show where supermodels flock to the city.

“London Fashion Week has had its ups and downs over the years, but it’s always vibrant and always full of surprises,” added Tracey, explaining the importance of the event to industry insiders. talked about. “London Fashion Week is always packed with people,” he said. “We’ve all had that moment at London Fashion Week that dramatically helped our career.”

But what makes London different from other fashion capitals? According to Stella McCartney, it’s all in its eclectic mix of brands. “London has the perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship and forward-thinking vision. There are some great scenes from schools and parties that try to push the boundaries,” said the vegan luxury brand designer.

“What I’ve always loved about London Fashion Week is how radical and experimental it is, from legends like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood to the new generation of talent coming out of St. Martin’s. “There is,” McCartney added. “It has a real punk vibe, very British and unique to our city.”

Additionally, there are no shortage of celebrity sightings. Seventeen years after presenting her graduate collection at London Fashion Week in 1995, Stella is back in London in good spirits. “I presented my Autumn/Winter 2012 collection at London Fashion Week. The Olympics were being held here, and I was in charge of Team GB’s costumes, so I wanted to express my gratitude to the city that raised me and supported me. We felt it was the perfect time to do the show. I think it was the night Rihanna met Kate Moss for the first time, and Shalom Harlow and Yasmin Le Bon were dancing on the table. It was the iconic It was a thing.”

So, as the event gears up for its 40th anniversary, what can we expect to see over the next week? And how is this event different from the first show? British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush said big changes were happening thanks to technology. She notes that “what once existed purely as a way for a designer to introduce a collection to someone within the industry has since turned into an opportunity for brands” to engage with both trade and consumer audiences. is. ”

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