London Fashion Week – a student journalist’s dream come true

Running around New York City, hot coffee-to-go in one hand, a notepad and pen clasped tightly in the other. You’re rushing to catch your next hit story and finally make that big break… it’s the Devil Wears Prada life all aspiring journalists dream of. So, you can imagine the excitement when I got the news that I’d be going to write on London Fashion Week 2024.

Tickets, outfits, potential interview questions; these were all the things I suddenly had to plan and prepare for… it was all very last minute and exactly what you would expect. I was an embodiment of nerves, rush and excitement as I poured through my wardrobe for an outfit to wear. I immediately knew Katy – my fashion-savvy, history of art student housemate – would be the perfect person to come with me. Just a couple of days later, we were in line to view our first runway in London.

Credit: Mila Burek @ The Mancunion

The morning event, held by Paul Costelloe, a renowned luxury designer celebrating his 40th London Fashion Week and first bridal collection drop, was mesmerising, to say the least. The timeless Parisian-chic aesthetic inside the Waldorf Hotel, the 60s styled models in feminine florals, the respectable professionalism of being directed to the waiting room with fellow attendees (the likes of which included renowned actors, love islanders and social media influencers) prior to the show… it all continued to remind us of how much careful timing and effort goes into preparing an event of this sort.

Being a student journalist in a pool of high-social-status networking was an experience reminiscent of a fever dream I never wanted to end. To my left, I would be speaking to a well-established influencer, and to my right a model scout. At every turn, people were networking for contacts and handing us cards with emails and phone numbers.

Credit: Mila Burek @ The Mancunion

To an extent, it almost felt as if we were role-playing in a world where everyone seemed like old friends, but the warm welcome we received, combined with the kindness and vulnerability of those we spoke to, made us feel like we fit right in. We began to realise that behind this online world of glamorous brand trips and PR events, these people are no different to you or me.

Later that evening, Katy and I attended Tell the Truth’s catwalk, situated underneath St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. We were greeted by fellow aspiring journalists, designers and models as we descended the steps to the catacomb-styled venue – all looking to make their mark in the industry. Inspired by their stories, there was an undeniable excitement that vibrated through the air.

Designer Rainy Womack’s edgy, youthful vision was reflected in the dimly-lit underground arches and somewhat dilapidated brick walls, paying homage to one of the many meaningful messages from his Spring/Summer 2025 Blood Moon Collection: old is new. 

I was struck with excitement when offered the opportunity to interview Rainy after his show. His authenticity and passion were encapsulated through the stories he told of his trials and errors, his persistence to achieve his dreams, and his words of advice to readers.

Credit: Mila Burek @ The Mancunion

The rest of the event flowed with inspiring conversations from models, writers, photographers and organisers of the show. People shared their passions and dreams to grow their fashion careers, whilst being genuinely excited for those who shared an equal enthusiasm of their own. This captured the up-and-coming atmosphere Rainy successfully portrayed through his vintage reworked looks. 

That night, Katy and I spent the rest of the evening unpicking and going over our favourite moments of this whirlwind of a day, sitting in the McDonald’s in front of Trafalgar Square, still in our fashion-week looks we had put together only twelve hours prior. Neither of us could be more grateful for this experience, not only to the incredible designer brands, Paul Costelloe and Tell the Truth; but also to those who organised the events, to the fellow attendees for making us feel welcomed, and to the models who had clearly spent so long preparing for such a memorable day.

So, to you, the reader, let this be a sign to say ‘yes’ more. Try new things, be bold, and push yourself out of your comfort zone where you can. You truly can achieve more than you think and, hey, you never know what stories you’ll end up being able to tell.

(P.S. A special thanks to Deputy Fashion and Beauty Editor, Lily Amos, for making this possible)