Since I can recall, attending London Fashion Week has been a cherished dream of mine. The thought of sitting in the front row at the shows, being captured by the photographers, and being featured on my favourite platforms was exhilarating. My first London Fashion Week experience in 2011 was nothing short of a dream. The invite to a show at Somerset House felt like a validation of my fashion dreams, akin to being the Black Carrie Bradshaw.
Over the years, things started shifting for me. The way I viewed this coveted series of events began to affect my mental health. Plus, the effects of having Lupus made running from show to show unbearable. Schedules are packed from dawn to dusk with endless engagements—you’re constantly stressing over what to wear, how you’ll come across in photos and on social media, and whether you’ll even make it into the shows after raving about the elements lining up for ages.
Living the London Fashion Week Dream
However, I have recently been somewhat nostalgic about my escapades to London to partake in the fashion week festivities. I had been excited about becoming one of the street-style icons photographers captured. Still, when I arrived at my first show of the season at Daks, I often noticed photographers mainly focused on white and Asian women, usually overlooking Black women, even though I was papped once or twice.
As much as I loved it then, I needed to accept that the fashion industry is not for the faint of heart. Although I cherish my adventures and the friends and contacts I have built, there are moments when loneliness would creep in. From getting turned away by stuck-up PR staff (Who always seem to be called Hannah), the anxiety of getting to the next show, writing up the shows into the wee hours of the morning, then having to wake up the next day and of course the mind-numbing hangovers and joint pains the next day it more and more it seemed like it wasn’t worth I, it’s just so stressful.
Let’s not forget bloggers’ “mean girls” cliques, who seem to take pleasure in metaphorically and physically denying others the opportunity to join their circle.
New London Fashion Week Perspective
Considering all these experiences, I decided to experience London Fashion Week on my terms this season. I will prioritise events and shows that truly resonate with me, align with my values, and then return home. No more attending events just to be seen or out of fear of missing out. No more exhausting 12-hour days without eating or spending ridiculous amounts on Black Cabs. Instead of feeling pressured to attend every event or show, I create a personalized and empowering experience.
I’m taking the time to research designers and brands, which allows me to connect with the creative vision behind the collections and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that go into each design.
By attending shows that speak to me, I support the designers I admire and immerse myself in a creative environment that inspires and invigorates me. I am engaging with like-minded individuals, exchanging ideas, and gaining fresh perspectives on fashion, the fantastic art form I have always loved it to be. This journey of supporting and being inspired by the designers I admire is a joyous and fulfilling experience.
Very cute, demure, and mindful.
Have you ever attended any London Fashion Week Shows? If so, how did you find the experience?
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Lee-Anne x
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