London fashion week, known for its avant-garde, innovative designs has become a world renowned platform for upcoming and already booming designers. But if you're a backpacker or solo traveller with an eye for style, you don’t need a show invite to soak up the action. The real magic? It’s in the streets, the pop-ups, the after parties. And the best part? You can experience it all without splashing your entire travel budget.
Did you know that we have eight St Christopher Inn hostels in London? With buzzing hostel bars, social events and locations like London Bridge, Camden and Liverpool Street, you’re just steps away from the shows, the street style and the late-night fashion buzz. Discover our London locations , and throw yourself into a whirlwind of fashion.
THE BASICS - Let's talk where, when, who
London Fashion Week AW25 is fast approaching, mark your calendars for 18th–22nd September. The city will be buzzing, and the good news is, you don’t need a front-row seat to feel part of it. This season’s hotspots include iconic locations like Savile Row, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Truman Brewery, with the main event taking place at the legendary 180 The Strand.
But here’s the real backpacker hack: Somerset House.
While many shows are invite-only (sorry, Anna Wintour’s not sharing her +1), Somerset House becomes the central hub for London Fashion Week, streaming shows live, hosting cultural pop-ups, and attracting a crowd of creatives, photographers, and fellow fashion lovers. It’s the ultimate place to soak up the buzz, snap some street style shots, and maybe even bump into the next big name in fashion.
From legendary British designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, to boundary-pushing newcomers like Steven Stokey-Daley, the runways are wild, the vibes are high, and the city is yours to explore.
Let’s talk sustainable high fashion
You don’t need a front-row ticket to know that eco-conscious fashion isn’t just a trend anymore, it’s the future of the industry. At London Fashion Week AW25, sustainability is taking centre stage, with designers embracing recycled materials, plant-based fabrics, and ethical production. Even better? Exotic animal skins are officially out, and slow fashion is in.
But sustainability at London Fashion Week goes beyond the runway. Across London, you’ll find DIY fashion workshops, repair pop-ups, and second-hand style hubs ready to inspire your inner designer. Travelling with a backpack? Pack those old jeans or tired tees, and help give them a new identity!
DIY fashion workshops: Head to the Design Museum for hands-on sessions where you can upcycle, customise, and get creative. Click here to check it out.
Repair initiatives: Sustainable Fashion Week runs from 27th September – 5th October all across London. Expect workshops, talks, and exhibitions focused on learning to fix, rather than throw away. Click here to check out all the events .
Hostel life: Does sustainable fashion practices feed into your lifestyle? It should. Choosing to stay in hostels is far more sustainable than hotels, and more budget friendly! Hostel sustainability lies within saving energy and data shows that hostels produce 82% less carbon emissions than hotels. If you decide to stay with us you’ll be contributing to saving the planet one fashion week at a time.
Watch it all from your hostel bunk
St Christopher's Inn, London Bridge location
London Fashion Week AW25 is now a hybrid event, which means you can livestream the catwalks, scroll digital lookbooks, and browse virtual showrooms from literally anywhere, even your bunk bed.
Want backstage access without backstage passes? Social media is your best friend. Designers are taking to TikTok and Instagram to run live Q&As, behind-the-scenes clips, and post-show breakdowns. It’s basically the ultimate fashion debrief, and you don’t need a single ticket to tune in.
But let’s be real, if it’s exciting on screen, imagine what it’s like in person. The buzz, the street style, the unplanned moments, it’s really something you have to experience in real life. With beds as low as £11.78 a night to stay in the heart of London Fashion week, it's a no brainer.
What trends to expect to see this London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week is never short on jaw-dropping looks, and AW25 is shaping up to be no different. Whether you're snapping street style or planning your own standout outfit, here are the key trends this season:
Manga Mania, get ready for the rise of anime-inspired fashion. Think dramatic silhouettes, maritime details, soft bows, and ruffles. It's playful, theatrical, and totally instagram worthy.
Pink is power, this season's pink is bold, bright, and unapologetic. It's rewriting old-school gender rules and stepping into the spotlight with confidence.
Tartan takeover, checks and tartan are making major moves this season. Pair them with a mini skirt and an oversized coat for a stylish layered look. Bonus: perfect for that unpredictable London weather.
Tie it up, being worn over blazers, with vests, and styled in totally unexpected ways. Dig out an old one or buy them second hand, it's the ultimate genderless accessory.
Faux fur, nothing screams autumn, winter quite like fur. But let's keep it ethical, if you're buying new, go faux. better yet, find a vintage piece or recycled option to stay sustainable and warm.
Camo comeback, Styled with soft pieces, denim, and oversized layers for streetwear meets military edge. Perfect for mixing in with a backpacker wardrobe on a budget.
Top-tips for London Fashion Week AW25
Heading to London Fashion Week AW25 and travelling solo or on a backpacker budget? Whether you're here to gain fashion inspiration, hit up a few shows, or soak in the atmosphere, here’s how to make the most of London this fashion week without breaking the bank.
How do I get around during fashion week?
Use the tube - Closest stops include: Temple, Holborne, and Oxford Circus
What’s a necessity to bring to London?
Bring Layers - Be ready for wind, rain, and sun if your lucky
How do I stay in the LFW loop?
Follow the LFW hashtags - Try #LFW2025, #LondonFashionWeek
What's the fashion vibe?
Be Bold - Go outside your comfort zone and experiment, there's no such thing as too much at London Fashion Week.
Where’s the best place to stay in London?
Stay Central - Stay in our locations such as London Bridge , Liverpool Street, and Camden . Click on the locations to explore the hostels!