Autumn and winter offer fashionistas some great events in the London and Birmingham area: From the Rolls Royce of vintage fashion fairs, the world's largest clothes show, the biggest shoe department on the planet and a month of events to celebrate London Fashion Week.
London Vintage Fashion Fair
Dating back to 1999, this is the Rolls Royce of vintage fashion fairs and takes place approximately every 5 to 6 weeks at London’s Hammersmith Town Hall. Vintage fashion fair dates for the remainder of 2010 are Sunday September 12th, Sunday October 10th and Sunday November 14th.
Here you’ll find around 100 exhibitors offering everything from vintage fashion clothing to textiles and fashion accessories. As well as the general public, the fair attracts many celebrities and people in the fashion industry from designers to personal stylists across the globe. Prices range from a few pounds to the hundreds, so there is something for everyone, proving a popular day out for anyone interested in fashion. Tickets cost £5.00 and entrance is from 10am to 5pm. A location map and further fair dates are available on the organizer’s website.
Selfridges New Shoe Department
The official opening of Selfridges new shoe department takes place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 catering for all footwear fashionistas' budgets and whims.
This mega shoe hall, situated on the 2nd floor, was designed by world class architect Jamie Frobert and consists of a number of galleries and bespoke designer boutiques, which house over 4,000 shoes on display from high-end designer to high street brands (over 150 labels).
The shoe department is currently the largest in the world, as at 35,000 sq ft, it covers more space than the ground floor of London’s Tate Modern.
London Fashion Week for Spring 2011
London’s biannual fashion event run by the London Fashion Council rocks the capital every September and February.
From September 17th - 21st 2010 London Fashion Week designers show off their Spring Summer 2011 collections. London’s Somerset House plays host to world class designers like Burberry, Jaeger, Pringle, Vivienne Westwood, Peter Pilotto, Christopher Kane and Matthew Williamson.
Vodaphone London Fashion Weekend
A great event taking place immediately after London Fashion week and open to the general public. It runs from September 23-26, 2010 at Somerset House and is a must for fashion lovers who want the chance to buy discounted designer clothing from around 100 designers. Here you can get the low-down on Spring Summer 2011 trends and enjoy a runway show at the official British Fashion Council venue to showcase Autumn Winter 2010’s key looks. Hair and beauty advice is also available.
Ticket prices vary depending on date and package purchased. Prices start at £15.50 for first day basic entrance only.
London High Street Fashion Week
London's famous shopping area at Oxford Circus plays host to a series of events to celebrate High Street Fashion Week. From September 6-10, 2010, retailers in fashionable Oxford Street are holding a variety of events from designer boot sales and celebrity champagne receptions to personal shopping makeovers. Visit the dedicated website for more details.
Clothes Show Live
For those in the UK who can't make it to London, Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre hosts a major fashion event in December 2010. Now in its 22nd year, The Clothes Show Live at Birmingham’s NEC hails itself to be the world’s largest fashion and beauty event. It runs for 6 fashion-packed days from December 3-8, 2010.
In addition to non-stop shopping, there are live runway shows, a fashion theater with models and dancers, hair and beauty demonstrations and make-overs, celebrity appearances and design award ceremonies. Tickets are available from the Clothes Show Live website.
Whatever your interest in fashion there is something for everyone (from footwear fashionistas to style mavens) in and around London and beyond.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
Join the Conversation