What’s Changed at London Fashion Week?
In the past, if you wanted to attend shows, you usually had to apply separately for each designer — filling out forms, emailing PR contacts, and crossing your fingers that your request got noticed. Now, London Fashion Week has streamlined the process. Instead of chasing every individual press office, there’s one central accreditation system run by the British Fashion Council (BFC). That means:
-
You apply once through the BFC platform.
-
If you’re approved, you’ll gain access across the schedule.
-
Designers still manage their own guest lists for special backstage or front-row access, but the main route in is through the BFC.
So no more endless emailing. But yes, you’ll need to prove your industry credentials.
How Do You Get Accredited?
The British Fashion Council is looking for people who are genuinely working in the industry. That could mean:
-
You’re a journalist or editor writing for a recognised publication.
-
You’re a freelance stylist, fashion writer, or photographer with recent work published online or in print.
-
You’ve got a website, portfolio, or blog that shows a clear focus on fashion.
-
You’ve been published recently, even in independent magazines.
If you’re new, here are a few smart moves to boost your chances:
-
Collaborate with independent magazines. Reach out and offer to contribute articles, styling, or assisting on shoots.
-
Pitch ideas, editors are always looking for fresh takes.
-
Assist a stylist, journalist, or photographer who’s already in. You’ll learn the ropes and often get credited.
-
Start building your profile online, whether through your own blog, Substack, or Instagram; the BFC will look at your visibility and consistency.
Basically, if you want accreditation, you need to show you’re actively in the fashion conversation.
How We Help You at LCS
This is where we come in. At London College of Style, we don’t just teach you fashion theory; we put you straight into the industry. Here’s how we do it:
-
We get our students backstage at London Fashion Week every season — dressing models, supporting shows, and working alongside industry teams.
-
These experiences give you real credits for your CV, plus amazing networking and photo opportunities.
-
On our 3-month Fashion & Personal Styling Diploma, every student takes part in a series of editorial shoots, with two guaranteed to be published online. That means you leave with published credits — a key step in securing accreditation.
-
Within about six months, if you follow the steps we teach, you’ll be ready to apply for London Fashion Week (or Milan, Paris, New York) on your own merits.
It’s about building credibility, showing that you’re serious, and collecting those all-important bylines and credits that the BFC wants to see.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
London Fashion Week may have changed, but the opportunity is still there for those ready to put in the work. Accreditation isn’t just about filling in a form, it’s about showing you belong in the industry. At LCS, we give you the tools, the credits, and the opportunities to get there.
From backstage at Fashion Week to published editorials, we’ve helped hundreds of students build the kind of profiles that open doors at the British Fashion Council and beyond. If you’re ready to make that step, get in touch with us today. Your journey into fashion starts here and we’ll make sure you’re front row ready.
