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LFW: THE ESSENTIALS

16.09.16

From what to wear to where to go think of this as your definitive guide to all-things London Fashion Week

THE PREP

Think ahead and start prepping your skin in advance to ensure you get that all-important glow in time for the madness of the city and the hustle and bustle of the shows. What with travel and lack of sleep, it’s a vital time to put that little extra effort into skincare. Our go-to this season is ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It can be used as a deep cleanser but we suggest adding a layer to your skin and leaving it for 10 minutes to use it as an aromatic, moisturising mask. Choose a make-up look that promises to last the length of the day without too much maintenance and slip a few vital products into your handbag to make sure you stay looking fresh from 9 ‘till 9. Lastly, pack smart. Plan outfits ahead and be sure to include at least one hero piece within each outfit.

THE OUTFIT

Whilst the focus of the week is – of course – on the runway footage, there has been a huge emphasis placed on street style photography of late, so it’s all the more important to refine your look in line with the season. Our top tip? Fuse style with practicality and you’ll get it right every time. There’s a lot to be said for a look that goes the distance, so if you’ve chosen a pair of heels that you know will make an impact, make sure you have flats to hand, and choose a compact cross-body bag that’s spacious enough to house everything that you might need for the day.

AVA FELT FEDORA Claret £60

Out of stock

Womens Black/Mink SHEARLING AND LEATHER JACKET - REISS DREE

DREE SHEARLING AND LEATHER JACKET Black/Mink £495 £330

Out of stock

Womens Oatmeal WOOL AND CASHMERE JUMPER - REISS SELMA

SELMA WOOL AND CASHMERE JUMPER Oatmeal £110 £55

Out of stock

Womens Cloud FLUID TAILORED TROUSERS - REISS CASSIE

CASSIE FLUID TAILORED TROUSERS Cloud £125 £35

Out of stock

Womens Black LASER-CUT SUEDE SHOES - REISS PEGGIE

PEGGIE LASER-CUT SUEDE SHOES Black £120 £60

Out of stock

THE COFFEE RUN

LFW’s new base point lies in the heart of Soho so there’s no shortage of spots to pick up that much-needed morning caffeine hit. If you’ve got time to dine in and fancy a fashion-friendly breakfast alongside your latte, Burberry’s café, Thomas’ is a great shout – located at the Regent Street store just a stone’s throw from Brewer Street. Alternatively, Sacred Coffee just off Carnaby Street is famed for its rich, flavoursome beverages and it’s a great pit stop on the way to your first show.

THE LUNCH SPOT

Alongside Soho’s copious coffee offering sit some of the city’s best lunch spots, so there’s something to suit every taste. Topping our list of recommendations is vegan restaurant, Mildreds with its cosy interior, wholesome dishes and quick service. If you’re looking for something a little more rounded, head to Jackson and Rye on Wardour Street – they do a great cocktail, too.

THE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Now more than ever, designers are coming around to the idea of making their runway presentations a little more public, so if you’re not in receipt of an invite through the doors of Brewer Street carpark, there are still ways to watch. From new cult favourite, DAKS to quintessentially British Mulberry and ever-the-innovators, Peter Pilotto, labels are offering a live stream of the runways on the London Fashion Week website. Check the schedule here and tune in to see your favourites as they happen.

THE STREET STYLE STARS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Whilst this week’s runway shows will set the tone for SS17’s trends, it’s the street style stars that we focus on to inspire our outfit choices for now. Topping our list in London are stylist Martha Ward and Fashion Director Natalie Hartley for their innovative styling tricks and knowledge of up and coming designers, influencers, Sarah Mikaela and Rosie Fortescue for their wearable approach to fashion and accessory experts &Finally for their detailed final touches.

THE BEST COCKTAILS IN TOWN

There’s little more suited to the post Fashion Week wind-down than a good cocktail and we’ll be heading straight for The Dog House this week – a contemporary new bar on the scene with an outdoor courtyard and a suitably stylish interior. Based below the established Marylebone restaurant, Bernardi’s, it offers a comprehensive drinks menu and bar appetisers to match.