What to wear is just as important as where to be seen, when in London.
The fashion capital has a reputation for setting the standard when it comes to style; influencing trends internationally.
Considered one of the ‘big four’ – alongside Milan, Paris and New York – London is famed for its fashion identity; home to some of the world’s most in-demand designer names, flagship high street stores and quirky markets.
Alexander McQueen famously labelled the city “self-confident and fearless”.
La Petite Anglaise Louis Vuitton photo shoot at the Coca-Cola London Eye
Here are five fashionable reasons why London should be on your holiday bucket list this year:
- London Fashion Week
The most talked about fashion event in London, LFW is hosted twice annually – February and September – a trade show featuring the most talked about designers and up-and-coming talent.
Catwalk show at London Fashion Week. Credit: Timeout
A week of shows and presentations attended by the fashion elite – stylists, buyers, celebrities and the media – LFW invites are extremely exclusive and front row seats are reserved for the biggest names in showbiz.
If you don’t manage to bag yourself a ticket, simply soak up the atmosphere from the pavements outside where street stylists photograph the best dressed.
The week-long celebration of style generates more than £100m of orders and 32,000 hours of footage from LFW is viewed from 100 different countries.
- Brick Lane
Famed for its Indian and Asian food offering, Brick Lane has also established a reputation for its quirky shops and market stalls.
Brick Lane market. Credit: ilikelondon.
Home to one of London’s largest flea markets with stalls selling antiques, clothes and bric-a-brac at bargain prices; the bustling markets are a heap of jewels and junk.
If you’ve got time to trawl through the stalls, you could find a few hidden treasures you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in London.
There’s also a few hip independent boutiques – more chic than shabby – alongside vintage tearooms and retro cocktail bars for a boozy lunch.
The best day to visit is Sunday.
- Camden
Home to more than 1,000 weird and wonderful shops and stalls selling vintage, original fashion, hand-crafted accessories and unique gifts – Camden is one of the trendiest destinations in London.
Camden Market. Credit: Ragged edge.
Aside from fashion, you’ll also find talented chefs cooking up food from around the globe and artists and craftsmen showcasing their work.
Camden Lock is the creative and cultural heart of London featuring some of the city’s finest independents; while for all things boho, head over to Stables Market to uncover more curiosities.
A favoured location for tourists, the markets attract more than five million visitors each year.
Open seven days each week.
- Fashion Bloggers
Whether you’re a budding blogger or a style subscriber – get the London look with a little help from some of the world’s best loved fashion bloggers; offering trend reports, reviews and industry news.
Credit: office, London Fashion Week.
You’ll most likely see bloggers at work on the streets of London and within the shops – filming vlogs, photographing stock and presenting interviews.
Don’t be surprised if you’re stopped for a quick snap or asked a few questions while you’re passing by.
Before you hit the shops, read up on where the best London bloggers recommend you shop – whether you’re spending savvy or splurging – and the key trends to inspire you before you embark on your shopping spree.
- Carnaby Street
Under the famous arched sign, the 13 streets of Carnaby make up one of London’s best loved fashion destinations – home to urban streetwear, celebrity owned boutiques and one-off concept shops.
Carnaby Street. Credit: Londontopia.
Nestled between Oxford Street and Regent Street, Carnaby has been embraced by ‘hip’ creatives and bohemians since the 19th century.
During the 60s, the mods came to Carnaby in search of sharp suits; then throughout the 70s and 80s, punks, rockers and goths alike flocked for fashion at Carnaby.
New additions to Carnaby include Kingly Court – a three-storey al fresco food and dining destination; and Newburgh Quarter – where creativity runs through the cobbled streets filled with renowned and independent shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Little and Loud: A lifestyle blog 