Gatecrashing London Fashion Week!

We at New Wave Magazine decided to create our very own monthly shopping list!

With a little fun twist!

Instead of having one person or the fashion team contribute, we had writers and editors across all teams send in their recommendations!

For our inaugural list we wanted to delve into – what we believe are – essentials for gatecrashing shows at London Fashion Week. We have big name brands and classic pieces alongside eccentric beauty items and unique collaborations - something for everybody insistent on making the most out of the busiest week in London.

Every gatecrasher would want to strike a good balance between being barely noticeable but also grabbing the spotlight with some chosen accessories! Frankly a lot depends on what kind of guest one wants to be - the “fake it till you make it” extravagant extrovert or the “if you know about me, you’re in the know” laid back shy observer. 

For this spectacularly entertaining topic, my personal choice was this cheeky scarf by Hermes! It is fun and fabulous at the same time. It grabs eyes and adds all the character needed to create the illusion of a front row critic known on a personal level by all PR directors!

In the land of Savile Row, it is only fitting to attend the congregation of fashionistas in the capital in a beautiful blazer. This pinstriped double - breasted version from Kai Collective came recommended by one of the writers from the music team.

Tolu Coker X Topshop was an incredible collab, and this mini skirt is a phenomenal piece! Perfect for running around London, standing in queues and manoeuvring one’s way into shows and exhibitions. It’s not eye-catching enough to invite conversation unnecessarily yet it holds its own in an outfit according to music editor Anisha.

These gorgeously embroidered sling back pumps from Prada are all the bling needed. The chill basics are elevated and the insider access is granted. Shoes have been the talking point for this season and fashion writer Amira is all in on this satin set.

It is only fair to wear Vivienne Westwood to London Fashion Week and it is only right to do so when crashing shows and rebelling against the status quo! Dame Vivienne would not have wanted it any other way, says writer Sumaiyah. One simply cannot successfully crash a show without paying homage to the punk queen of King’s Road. 

Definitely need a Coach tabby bag - it is cute, chic and positively adorable. Everyone loves it and it is very much an approachable and calm aesthetic choice. Something that says “I’m not new to this, I’m true to this,” a way to remind people you’ve been here and they just saw you at the previous show with the bag in hand.

Music Editor Shenead recommended a perfume that smells like a car crash; something so full of notes that it leaves everyone guessing. Make everyone think about where they know you from, what they’ve seen you do and how they should approach you. CDG has a concoction that smells like everything ever - a solid way to crash senses and shows. 

The Mugler Aurora is one of those pieces that signals the wearer to be locked in with the PR girls (particularly big hitters!) since it isn't something someone outside the industry would know about right now. It is a very new bag – Mugler’s first under Miguel Castro Freitas’ creative direction – releasing barely a month ago!

A sexy pair of boots is eternally in fashion and works well for running around rainy venues in Strand and Hyde Park. The Gucci Donna is sleek and sexy, perfect for being an under-the-radar academic critic who approaches collections in a fashionably nerdy manner. 

Atorie’s Le Saint Martin is perfect for carrying cameras, notebooks and power banks to carve out the prolific reviewer vibe. The “I’m desperate to start jotting down notes about the atmosphere before the clothes come shimmying down the runway.” The kind of audience member no one wants to question the presence of because everyone is itching to read what critique they come up with.

This Miu Miu x New Balance shoe isn’t for someone crashing a show silently, it is for the boisterous trendsetter. It is meant to keep the spotlight on the wearer and ensure everyone in line is in awe of the newest entrant to the fashion spheres. 

Thom Browne’s elongated toe curved heel boots are the best shoe on the list strictly from a “fun” perspective. The Longwing Brogue pair is the ideal pair to add personality to any outfit and distinguish oneself from other attendees. The silhouette is in itself very Victorian England royalty and adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the look. 

Khy’s newest drop that launched yesterday on sites had this asymmetrical leather jacket which essentially shows how the gatecrasher is “locked in” with the fashion girls. The cut of the jacket impeccably matches with the distinctly unusual offerings of LFW. Since it is barely released it adds to the allure of the wearer. The hushed whispers of “OMG it is not even out yet!” aside, the jacket is suave enough to be a great piece that can elevate any gatecrashing outfit at any event. 

Garage’s short polo top is perfect as a basic piece that can work as the foundation for fun jewellery as well as create the effect that the wearer is just another fashion school student. Either an intern or just a kid who wants to get a glimpse, the tee works well to look cutesy and innocent enough to gain entry. 

Jonathan Anderson’s label has some fun jeans but this gorgeous denim piece is ideal for the mission. The intriguing print on the ‘bright but not in your face’ yellow pattern is everything one could want if they were planning to crash events with a certain theatrical flair that can only be exuded with a large dose of confidence. After all one cannot successfully gatecrash without a reasonable amount of stupid courage and self belief - exactly what this pair requires to pull off. 

Half zip in a velvety violet by Vuori made this list strictly because if one zips it all the way down, the look goes from only athleisure to a ‘I need to quickly run from this show to the next’ sweatshirt. Layer it with jewellery for a fancier feel or keep it basic, the piece is versatile and comfortable for pulling off the ‘busy bee at fashion week’ vibe.

Another freshly dropped piece - the Tate x Homme Plissé Issey Miyake piece which features Henri Matisse’s The Snail in the signature pleats design. A very fun, colourful tee which gives the gatecrasher an artistic character. Again the added bonus of it being barely launched creates the illusion that the wearer is in cahoots with the Comms girls and should definitely be in the audience for any and all shows. Honestly take it for a dive down 180 Strand and one might just find themselves watching the NewGen guys’ presentations!