What’s not to love about Fashion Week? Well, it’s London’s turn, so the team are on the ground. Here’s everything getting them through this week.
Prepare for the week ahead with…
A Vinted Obsession
This might be TMI, but I fear my Vinted obsession is directly related to my love life. The fewer swipes on the other app, the more swipes on Vinted. And let’s just say I’ve been on an insane second-hand buzz. The shoutout here is actually directed at Vinted’s algorithm, which I’ve now tailored to such perfection that it’s like talking to a psychic who knows my needs and wants before I have to vocalise anything. My latest purchase is a vintage Miu Miu work bag that I can’t wait to get my hands on later this week.
– Sofia Ferreira, Senior Online Editor
Walk into fashion week with…
Martine Rose Nike Shox
My orange Martine Rose Nike Shox; they are the comfiest shoes I own and still look great. I literally changed out of heels into them as my feet weren’t surviving,,,
– Scarlett Milroy, Fashion Assistant
Telfar x Timberland
These boots were made for walkin’ – had to drop the g for this one, even if I feel like a G in them. Ever since laying eyes on this collab, it’s been the hardest boot to get my hands on, so much so that I still haven’t been able to. The Premium Pull-On boot is simple and slouchy, and the perfect ankle boot to tuck baggy jeans into when you’re rushing out of the door – no laces needed. They also feel perfectly New York street style in a way I always want to emulate.
– Aswan Magumbe, Assistant Editor
Simone Rocha x adidas
You know it’s a good collection when, five minutes after it goes live, there’s barely anything left to choose from. Luckily for me, the bedazzled trainers with criss-cross oxblood ribbons and the signature adidas stripes were patiently waiting to land in my basket. My Klarna bill isn’t as happy as my feet are, but every time I look down while running from show to show, there are those jewels looking back up at me. Cost per wear keeps the shopping guilt at bay. I’ve worn those beauties every day since.
– Ella Bardsley, Senior Editor
Get through your week with…
The (Mostly) Liquid Essentials
Portable charger, coffee and more coffee – or a Blank Street, to be honest.
– Juliette Eleuterio, Social Media Editor
The Miamo skincare suite at The Shepherd Mayfair
Fashion Week takes its toll on your skin, so I spent my lunch break in Miamo’s new skincare suite at The Shepherd Mayfair. The hotel doesn’t open until autumn, but from 17–21 September, Miamo has taken over a private suite for skin consultations and its Epigenetic Power Facial. After a facialist talked me through my routine, there was exfoliation, a barrier-restoring treatment, a massage and cooling masks. I’d always thought “glass skin” was something people said under very flattering lighting. Then I looked in the mirror. Miamo will be seeing a lot more of me.
– Ella Bardsley, Senior Editor
Jil Sander x Oliver Peoples Sunglasses
If you’re like me and sustained an eye injury a week before Fashion Week (hopefully you’re not), then sunnies are a must. In fact, they just feel like an end-of-summer-fit rite of passage. Not only are these slick shades the perfect silhouette, sharp without being or feeling spiky, the lenses are the perfect dim to make the all-too-bright things the right brightness – and have helped me see as best as possible during partial blindness. 10/10 recommend.
– Aswan Magumbe, Assistant Editor
(More) Sunnies and Seismic Snacks
Coloured-lens sunglasses, as you couldn’t catch me in a black pair – and I feel like sunglasses are a Fashion Week staple. Great for elevating an outfit!
Also, these Marks and Spencers Milk Chocolate Gigantic Buttons are so addictive. I’m obsessed with them! Such a fab snack to revive me in between shows.
– Scarlett Milroy, Fashion Assistant
Red Bull (obviously)
The best things in life come in threes, or so they say – but as is true for Red Bull, which comes in full fat, sugar free and zero sugar. From coffees to matcha to natural teas, sometimes some non-alcoholic bubbles in a tiny silver can are what’s needed to hit the spot…or to get that show review written in the Wondervan (thank you Mercedes) in between shows.
Whispering Angel
But because it’s fashion week, and alcohol can always be an option (when consumed responsibly), a nice, ice cold glass of rosé at the end of the evening can suffice as a great pink-hued remedy. Made with the promise of excellence, prestige and innovation, their 20th Vintage bottle feels like the perfect wet delight to clink with during the fashion circuit.
Or break up your week with a visit to…
Peaky Blinders Underworld
As a Brummie living in London, any opportunity for a slice of home must be taken and savoured. And it doesn’t get much more West Midlands than Peaky Blinders. The show that put our humble city on the map is still taking over culture years after it finished (let’s not talk about the crappy film), illustrated in abundance with the new live experience near London Bridge, ‘Peaky Blinders Underworld’. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in London – interactive gameplay, excellent actors, a trip to the fair, and sinking a few pints at the recreated Garrison Tavern. But, as Tommy would say, no fucking fighting!
– Ben Tibbits, Features Editor
In between shows, daydream about…
DKNY FW26 Collection
Now that we’re waving adieu to heatwave season, my mind, body and soul are craving all things Autumnal. Most importantly, my winter wardrobe—and currently at the top of my wishlist is a bag big enough for an umbrella, a laptop, AND my problems. Enter DKNY’s latest Fall collection. My particular fave? The Bryar Large Flap Satchel: buttery smooth faux leather, icy hardware and the perfect chocolate hue for transitional dressing. Adding to cart immediately.
– Ella West, Editor-in-chief of Rollacoaster
And remember to spritz yourself with…
Diesel ONLY DESIRE
While I do consider myself a loyal person, I could never be monogamous with one scent. My latest courtship comes in the flower-shaped bottle of Diesel’s ONLY DESIRE—the brand’s first fragrance dedicated to women. With notes of metallic vanilla, the perfume is both bold and sensual, and I have been spraying it liberally since its unboxing. I highly recommend it to any of my fellow fragrance fanciers!
– Ella West, Editor-in-chief of Rollacoaster
Aesop’s new Eau De Parfum Unforeseen Aer
Looking good at Fashion Week is one thing. Smelling good when someone gets close enough to ask what you’re wearing is another. Aesop’s new eau de parfum, Unforeseen Aer, is the fragrance equivalent of a designer outfit. Created with perfumer Céline Barel, it brings together geranium, lavandin and rosemary with a little warmth from nutmeg. It smells like that first breath of country air after escaping London, if the countryside had somewhere very good to be afterwards. Wholesome, but sexy.
– Ella Bardsley, Senior Editor
Whether you’re headed off to Paris or not, finish off your week with a stay at one of these gorgeous London stays…
Middle Eight Hotel
After a busy summer of travelling around and festivalling it up, a weekend of R&R was very much needed. In steps the wonderful Middle Eight Hotel. A stone’s throw away from Holborn Tube Station, the esteemed establishment was the perfect place for a restful, luxury weekend. Dinner was 10/10, the room was tasteful and wonderfully comforting, and the hotel’s architecture and aesthetic were deftly curated, and perfect for a music lover. Ideal if you’re looking for somewhere arty and fancy to bed down for the evening.
– Ben Tibbits, Features Editor
Sea Containers
Tucked along the Thames, fit snuggly in between Blackfriars, Waterloo and Embankment station, the Sea Containers is the sweet and swanky hotel with a perfect view. I was kindly treated to their newly-added Thames Riverview Balcony Suite, with a great, private balcony view of St Paul’s Cathedral and, well, all of the boat parties you wish you could jump on board with. Inspired by Brutalist architecture, each Suite was fitted with a four-seater island, complimentary snacks (thank the Heavens!), a plush King bed, spacious living area with hyperpunch red details against a muted, powder blue boucle couch. Did I mention the additional mini bar? I think this is what my dreams, or future apartment, are made of…And post-Fashion Week, I wouldn’t want to rest my fashion-full head anywhere else. Not to mention, the best hotel customer service I’ve ever experienced. You’ll be in safe hands at the Sea Containers.
– Aswan Magumbe, Assistant Editor
Or, if you can, a trip to Ibiza. One final hurrah…
PACHA Ibiza
If there was ever a time to pop my Pacha cherry, it was this year… And I’m ever so glad I did. Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of heading to Ibiza for Solomun+1, his legendary Sunday residency where he shares the decks with one special guest each week, all under the mantra “Nobody Is Not Loved”. This time round, he spun alongside Barry Can’t Swim, while I enjoyed a front-row seat from the VIP balcony. The vibe? Electric. The venue? Completely transportive. And when my friends and I needed a little pause from the party, we headed to Pacha’s latest addition to the VIP Garden, Sunrise Psicodelia, for a drinks—just a stone’s throw from the Pacha shop (which, naturally, is where I ended up spending the rest of my holiday budget. Still have zero regrets). If you’re thinking about booking that last-minute flight for closing season, I implore you to do it. Just don’t leave Ibiza without dancing under the cherries…
– Ella West, Editor-in-chief of Rollacoaster
