London Fashion Week 2019: When is it, who is going to be there and who are the designers to look out for?

Now that the summer is drawing to a close, followers of the fashion industry will undoubtedly be looking forward to the upcoming "Big Four" fashion weeks.

London Fashion Week, which first took place in October 1983, will showcase more than 250 fashion designers when it takes place in the coming weeks.

September's London Fashion Week will provide trend forecasters with an insight into the sartorial trends consumers will likely buy into in spring and summer 2020.

Here's everything you need to know about the second London Fashion Week of the year:

What is it?

London Fashion Week is a bi-annual trade event which is organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC).

It is one of the "Big Four" fashion weeks which take place in succession of one another twice a year, the others being held in New York, Milan and Paris.

The first London Fashion Week takes place every year in February, showcasing the autumn/winter collections of the featured designers.

The second London Fashion Week, which is held in September, provides designers with the opportunity to display their spring/summer designs for the following year.

By sharing their designs far in advance of the season, fashion designers can dictate which sartorial trends are likely to prove a hit among consumers in the forthcoming months.

When is it?

The spring/summer London Fashion Week is taking place this year from Friday 13 September until Tuesday 17 September.

It immediately follows New York Fashion Week, which is being held in the Big Apple from Friday 6 September until Saturday 14 September.

Milan follows London from Tuesday 17 September until Monday 23 September, with Paris scheduled to take place last from Monday 23 September until Tuesday 1 October.

For the full London Fashion Week schedule, click here.

Where does it take place?

London Fashion Week is due to be held at BFC's show space at The Store X, a showroom located at 180 The Strand in the capital.

Are tickets available to buy?

Fashion weeks are traditionally invite-only events, exclusive only to selected members of the press and fashion industry, stylists, influencers and celebrities.

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However, this year London Fashion Week has become the first of the "Big Four" to invite members of the public to purchase tickets for the highly-anticipated fashion fixture.

Fashion aficionados can buy standard tickets for £135, granting them access to catwalk shows, access to BFC's Positive Fashion Exhibition, a complimentary drink, a complimentary LFW tote bag and access to a Positive Fashion Talk.

Those who wish to emulate their favourite A-list celebrities can buy front row tickets for £245.

In addition to access to the front row of catwalk shows, the two exhibitions and a complimentary drink, this ticket also provides guests with access to a VIP lounge and a tote bag filled with freebies.

In August, the BFC announced that fashion brands House of Holland and Self-Portrait would stage public-facing shows at London Fashion Week on Sunday 15 September to ticket holders during three different time slots: 10am, 1pm and 4pm.

For more information on London Fashion Week tickets, click here.

Who is invited to attend?

In addition to members of the public, who can this year purchase tickets for London Fashion Week for the first time, the audience at the five-day event will consist of a plethora of buyers, fashion journalists and trend forecasters.

A myriad of celebrities will also receive invitations to attend certain shows, many of whom will have previous connections to featured designers.

In February, stars including the cast of hit Netflix series Sex Education, former Love Island contestant Eyal Booker and radio presenter Clara Amfo were spotted at autumn/winter shows at London Fashion Week.

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Who are the designers to look out for?

London Fashion Week will mark the return of British fashion designer Molly Goddard to London Fashion Week, seven months after wowing the crowds in the capital with her ethereal, pastel-coloured autumn/winter collection.

Goddard was brought into the spotlight in 2018 when one of her designs was worn by Killing Eve antagonist Villanelle, played by English actor Jodie Comer.

Only time will tell if Goddard's latest offering will make as bold a statement on the catwalk as her previous striking designs.

Also making an appearance for a third consecutive season is Victoria Beckham, who launched her eponymous fashion brand in September 2008.

Beckham made her debut London Fashion Week appearance this time last year, her husband David Beckham and their four children all sitting in the front row in support of the matriarch.

Rixo, the unassuming brand of the moment, will be holding its presentation on the second day of the fashion event.

The London-based label has proven increasingly popular among fashion fans thanks to its bright, eye-catching prints and flowing fits, ideal for the soon-to-be-over summer wedding season.

Keep up to date with The Independent's London Fashion Week coverage here.

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