London Fashion Week opens its doors to the public

London Fashion Week has become the first of the four major global Fashion Weeks to open its doors to the public.

Traditionally a trade event, London Fashion Week (LFW), will now stage ticketed events, such as special catwalk shows and talks, for members of the public.

The trade audience will continue to attend shows and presentations as usual during the event's five-day run from 13-17 September, while in parallel a programme of activities for the general public will be run, including six ticketed catwalk shows (prices range from £135 to £245) which will take place at the official LFW Hub, creative installations, industry-led talk panels from experts and the DiscoveryLAB, an experiential space where fashion meets art, technology.

In addition there will be a brand new Designer Exhibition, where the creative work of progressive designers "explores the most compelling stories around sustainability, community and ethics", which will be open to both the trade and the public.

The Designer Exhibition will "fully embrace #PositiveFashion", the BFC’s initiative designed to celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create positive change. #PositiveFashion is led by three pillars: Sustainability, Equality & Diversity, Craftsmanship & Community and LFW is inviting designers to tell their story, showcase how products are made and bring their brands and stories to life for a trade and public audience alike.

Previously, the British Fashion Council staged the London Fashion Week Festival on the weekend after the official London Fashion Week, which was a catwalk and shopping event with current season collections.

The provisional LFW show schedule has been published with highlights including Roland Mouret and Victoria Beckham on Sunday 15 September, and Erdem, JW Anderson, Burberry and Christopher Kane on Monday 16 September.

London Fashion Week's official hub is at The Store X, 180 The Strand, but certain shows and many cultural events take place all over the capital.