London Fashion Week 2018 is upon us once again. Whether you are working at LFW this season or not, it's a great time to ride the fashion wave all the way to the shores of creative-town! London Fashion Week 2018 will bring all sorts of opportunities. Here are our top tips on how to make the most of Europe's largest fashion event.
Dates
First things first, know when London Fashion starts and finishes. London Fashion Week dates are little misleading as they only refer to on-schedule, official, London Fashion Week shows in February 2018. However, there are loads of shows, presentations, pop-ups, showrooms, and after-parties to attend before, during and after LFW. Here are a few of the key players to check out.
London Fashion Week February 2018
16th - 20th February 2018
Fashion Finest February 2018
17th & 18th February 2018
London Fashion Scout February 2018
16th - 20th February 2018
Make New Contacts.
If you're looking to build contacts in the fashion industry, whether that's bloggers or press, designers, fellow freelancers to collaborate with or potential clients, get down to the heart of London Fashion Week during the main event. This season, LFW is taking place in Store Studio, next to Somerset House. That means there's going to be a lot of activity on the streets around Holborn. So much business takes place in between the shows of London Fashion Week, just being there in person can be very valuable.
Get down there, wear a hat, bring business cards, a copy of your portfolio, and make a few connections. Networking takes place everywhere. If you're shy, bring a camera, ask if you can take someone's photo and swap details to share the pic - BOOM, you just made your first contact of the season.
Build Your Portfolio @ LFW 2018
Everyone goes a little London Fashion Week crazy during this period. Members of Freelancer Club are no different. We see a spike in Test Shoots posted on our board every February and September with members looking to arrange fashion shoot collaborations. So, if you're keen to build your portfolio, now is a great time to do so. Check the board for available Test Shoots to apply to, by the way, it's free!
Make Some Money
How do you find paid work at LFW? Well, it ain't easy as so many freelancers are willing to work for free - something we're trying to stop with our #NOFREEWORK campaign. However, there are plenty of paid jobs up for grabs. Check our fashion jobs boards. We've got LFW opportunities on the go at the moment and a bunch of paid fashion jobs at London Fashion Week.
Designers who are showing off-schedule (ie: not at the official LFW show) will require creative staff. Reach out to PR agencies NOW! They often get let down last minute and require freelancers to cover.
If you're a photographer or videographer why not get down to the action and take some footage to sell to publications. Strong London Fashion Week images are in great demand and publications want them the second you shoot them. It's also a time to flex your influencer muscles. Many brands are looking for fashionistas to represent their product or service at the hottest at London Fashion Week. The more you post about LFW, the more traction you'll generate.
If You Can't Beat 'Em...
So you didn't get a job or a ticket to a show (sad face). Don't worry. The best part of London Fashion Week is the atmosphere, the people and the after parties. Check out the LFW schedule and the off-schedule shows. On | Off is cool as is Fashion Scout. Put on that outfit you've been saving and enjoy it. It only comes around 2 twice a year.
