Fashion month is officially upon us, bringing with it a pan-continental showcase of sartorial brilliance. New York sets the tone with sleek, commercially polished collections from the likes of Michael Kors and Tory Burch, while Paris and Milan simmer with high-octane luxury courtesy of Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton.
London, meanwhile, remains the kooky sister of the Big Four. Home to world-class fashion schools like Central Saint Martins and Westminster, the city continually nurtures boundary-pushing talent. Its reputation as an avant-garde hub ensures that kaleidoscopic colour, tactile textures and the delightfully unexpected are always front and centre.
Yet, the fact remains that most LFW events are strictly invite-only - which is not ideal for those wanting to become more involved in the industry.
Thankfully, there are a handful of events taking place during the week which are open to the public, meaning there’s still plenty to do between September 18 - 22.
From pop-ups to exhibitions, read on to discover the public events to note down in your calendars this season. May the networking commence…
LFW SS26 events which are open to the public:
Chelsea Arts Festival
Immerse yourself in London's unmatched cultural scene at the Chelsea Arts Festival. Hosted from September 18 - 22, the spectacle will bring together the best in the business, with icons including Dame Zandra Rhodes, Twiggy, Rupert Everett, Ambika Mod, Sir Stephen Fry, Sadie Frost and David Shrigley engaging in discussions, live podcasts, panels and more.
When: Thursday 18 - Sunday 21 September
Where: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ, Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY
Details: chelseaartsfestival.com
'Twiggy' Screening + Q&A at Everyman Chelsea
Part of the Chelsea Arts Club celebrations, a live screening of Twiggy followed by a Q&A hosted by none other than Sadie Frost and Twiggy herself will take place at the Everyman Cinema in Chelsea. Not one to miss for fans of Swinging Sixties style. Featuring contributions from Dustin Hoffman, Paul McCartney, Charlotte Tilbury and Joanna Lumley,
When: Saturday September 20, 2025 11:00 am
Where: Everyman Chelsea, 279 King’s Rd, London, SW3 5EW
Details: chelseaartsfestival.com
The Blue Room Live With 1664 Blanc
Taking place on Saturday 20th September at 3:30pm at Lucky Cat, Bishopsgate, The Blue Room Live is an intimate sofa-style 'In Conversation With' hosted by James Corbin, featuring designer Natasha Zinko (fresh from her LFW show the night before) and Harvey James of SLMan. Expect unfiltered insights, behind-the-scenes perspectives and a rare, front-row style experience at fashion’s biggest week. With only a handful of spaces, it’s the most personal seat you can get at LFW, while enjoying a crisp 1664 Blanc in hand.
When: Saturday 20 September
Where: Lucky Cat, Bishopsgate, EC2N 4BQ
Details: eventbrite.co.uk
© Getty Images for eBay UKeBay Endless Runway
eBay puts circularity centre stage this fashion month with eBay's Endless Runway in London, curated by Pre-Loved Style Director Amy Bannerman. Hosted on September 18, the show will celebrate preloved fashion in all its glory - featuring brands like Erdem, Ahluwalia and Conner Ives and more.
eBay has also partnered with Amelia Dimoldenberg, who joins as Pre-Loved Fashion Ambassador and host.
When: Thursday 18th September
Where: eBay
Details: ebay.co.uk
London Design Festival: Alpaca Apparel - Sustainable Luxury Showcase
Join Wolf & Badger in store with Claire Turner of Alpaca Apparel, where conscious luxury meets locally sourced alpaca fleece. Explore a refined collection of travel wraps, sleep socks, and statement knits, while learning about the regenerative process from herd to wardrobe. Enjoy bubbles, conversation, and an intimate showcase of enduring design.
When: Friday September 19, 2 - 5pm
Where: 102 Berwick Street London W1F 0BT
Details: eventbrite.co.uk
Tartan, The Barbour Way
It doesn't get more British than Barbour. Anchored in the brand’s Autumn/Winter 25 campaign, Tartan, The Barbour Way traces the family’s Scottish tartan lineage, honouring craftsmanship through a journey across the Highlands. Visitors can also witness a live demonstration by a master weaver, revealing the intricate process behind one of Barbour’s signature tartan designs. Entry is free, with a complimentary keepsake awaiting every guest.
When: Saturday 20 September 10am – 5pm, Sunday 21 September 10am – 7pm
Where: 5-7 Carnaby Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9PB
Details: barbour.com
Dirty Looks: Desire and Decay in Fashion
Opt for an exhibition this LFW - and this would be out pick. Dirty Looks examines how grit and decay have been transformed into subversive expressions of beauty, challenging glossy digital ideals and hinting at a more sustainable fashion future. Showcasing icons like Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Miguel Adrover and Maison Margiela, alongside rising talents Elena Velez, Yuima Nakazato and IAMISIGO, the exhibition traces fashion’s rebellious history, its provocative present, and the daring directions still ahead.
When: Thursday 25 September 2025 – Sunday 25 January 2026
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Details: barbican.org.uk
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur
The biggest contemporary show at the Wallace Collection to date, Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur likely to be a autumn highlight. Head to the gilded Marylebone gallery to discover over 40 new works created by the legendary artist Grayson Perry, inspired by masterpieces of the museum.
When: 28 March - 26 October 2025
Where: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Details: wallacecollection.org
LCF Archives Object Stories
Taking place just after fashion month, the LCF Archives hold a treasure trove of pieces that chart London’s style evolution and reflect every stage of the fashion cycle. At this Object Stories session, the Archives team will open the doors to their world, sharing the history, hidden gems and untold narratives behind the collection.This special event is open to all.
When: Wednesday October 1, 4:30 - 5:30pm
Where: London College of Fashion, 105 Carpenters Road London E20 2AR
Details: eventbrite.org
OFF THE RAILS WITH FASHION EAST AND DAZED
'OFF THE RAILS WITH FASHION EAST AND DAZED' will see Dazed’s Fashion Features Director Emma Davidson chair a panel featuring iconic Fashion East alumni Karoline Vitto, A Sai Ta, and Olly Shinder. They will share their wild journeys into fashion — reflecting on lessons learned, insider secrets, memorable moments from their first shows at London Fashion Week, and their upcoming projects.
When: Saturday September 20, 2025
Where: ICA, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH
Details: dazeddigital.com
Dylon's Refresh & Renew Laundrette
Drop into Dylon fashion week pop-up - ‘Refresh & Renew Laundrette’ - which is inviting fashion lovers to breathe new life into their wardrobes while embracing sustainability.
Running 18 - 21 September at 10 Carnaby Street, the pop-up offers guests the chance to explore sustainable fashion through Personalised Styling Sessions with sustainable stylists Victoria Lee and Rebekah Roy.
When: 18 - 21 September, 2025
Where: 10 Carnaby Street, London, W1F 9PF
Details: eventbrite.co.uk
DSQ
Devonshire Square (DSQ) marks 10 years as a London Fashion Week venue with a showcase of global independent design in partnership with Oxford Fashion Studio (OFS). On Sunday 21 September (2.30–8pm), the catwalks spotlight heritage, craft, and innovation: Karpova and Jiwya explore Ukrainian tradition and plant-based fashion; Vino Supraja honours Indian handloom art alongside Viktoria Marchev’s experimental scuba-inspired designs; Vietnamese couture house Soramame headlines with sculptural femininity; and the OFS Lab Concept Show closes with boundary-pushing work from Elsa Nilaj and Megan O’Cain. The event joins DSQ’s year-round cultural programme, from Diwali celebrations to summer theatre and sports screenings.
When: Sunday 21 September, 2:30 - 8pm
Where: Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YE
Details: www.dsq.london
