London Fashion Week, together with New York, Milan and Paris, is one of the ‘big 4’ fashion weeks in the world showcasing twice a year in September and February. With the February AW12 shows now upon us we look back at a history of London’s top fashion event.

1984

London Fashion Week is born. The event is produced by the London Fashion Council who put large white tents outside the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington. A diverse group of designers are showcased including an explosion into the fashion scene by young designer John Galliano.

1985

British government agrees to sponsor London Fashion Week after support from UK Vogue and a flurry of designers.

1986

Vogue editor Anna Wintour arrives on the front row.

1989

Kate Moss heads down the runway for the first time, in Galliano, aged just 15.

1992

Recession causes London Fashion Week to downsize to showcasing designers in a few rooms in the Ritz. Alexander McQueen showcases his first collection.

1993

British model Naomi Campbell walks down the runway topless for the Phillip Treacey Show.

1995

Stella McCartney shows her debut collection with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell as models. Her line is a huge success

1997

Size 14 model Sophie Dahl makes her runway debut sparking a debate about the link between the fashion industry and anorexia. Several initiatives are designed to promote a healthy body image for example the Model Health Enquiry.

1998-2000

British talent is snapped up by Paris fashion houses including Alexander McQueen for Givenchy and Stella McCartney for Chloe causing London Fashion Week to suffer.

2000

Victoria Beckham appears on the runway for the first time wearing Maria Grachvogel hotpants.

2002

Post 9-11 less and less American designers want to travel to London draining more from fashion week.

2005

Topshop makes history as the first high street store showcasing at London Fashion Week

2006

A vibrant new phase of designers is showcased including Gareth Pugh and new star – Christopher Kane.

2009

London Fashion Week is revitalised and moves back to Somerset House.

2010

London fashion week is the first major fashion event to fully embrace the internet with the shows broadcast to the world.