London Fashion Week: Autumn 2021 – The Best Shows & Designers – CM

The London Fashion Week dates are among the most watched events in the global fashion world. Yet when the event took place under special circumstances – without an audience on the catwalks, without paparazzi at the entrances, without the usual chaos in the backstage areas of Soho – an unexpectedly creative side of the British fashion industry emerged. Designers used the silence to speak louder than ever before. The result: shows that you won’t forget so quickly.

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London Fashion Week in Transition: An Event Reimagined

The strongest shows and their designers at a glance

What Fashion Week models really need

How to apply for international runways

Frequently asked questions about London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week in Transition: An Event Reimagined

What the Big 4 Fashion Weeks have in common for decades is their live character. Models on the catwalk, enthusiastic audiences, the clicking of a hundred cameras at the same time. Yet the London Fashion Week proved that it can set standards even under difficult conditions. Instead of physical runways, many designers turned to digital presentations, short films and interactive online experiences. The Fashion Week Berlin had taken similar paths – but London refined the concept with British elegance and an unmistakable sense of theatricality.

For aspiring models and up-and-coming talents, this is an important lesson: adaptability is just as important as the perfect walk. Those who want to know how to stand out at such events as a model will find a good starting point in the requirements for becoming a model.

Digital presentations instead of traditional runways

Several houses opted for elaborately produced film formats. Instead of a ten-minute show, cinematic short films were created that linked the collection and message in a new way. Houses with a strong visual identity particularly benefited from this format. Those who want to take part in such productions as a model should attend a casting at CM Models early on – because this kind of versatility is exactly what is encouraged there.

Hybrid shows: The best of both worlds

Some designers combined digital livestreams with small, exclusive live presentations for selected guests. These hybrid formats set new standards, which were also adopted at the Paris Fashion Week dates and the Milan Fashion Week dates. London was a pioneer here – and not for the first time.

The strongest shows and their designers at a glance

From Burberry to emerging independent labels: the selection of strong collections was impressive. Here is a structured overview of the outstanding presentations:

Designer / Label	Presentation Format	Collection Highlight
Burberry	Outdoor Live Show	British nature as stage, reinterpreted trench coat
Emilia Wickstead	Digital Short Film	Elegance meets strength, pastel-dominated palette
Simone Rocha	Hybrid Presentation	Romance and craftsmanship, lace as motif
Richard Quinn	Live Stream Runway	Maximalist print, theatrical silhouettes
JW Anderson	Online Lookbook	Gender-fluid designs, experimental materials

What all these shows had in common: a clear stance. And that is exactly what models also have to radiate on the catwalk and runway – presence that goes beyond clothing.

Burberry: Nature as Runway

Riccardo Tisci staged the Burberry show in an open landscape and let the British nature become the main protagonist. The models moved between meadows, rocks and mist – a visual poem that perfectly framed the collection. The message was clear: fashion does not belong only in air-conditioned showrooms. For models wondering how to get such jobs: The way often leads through a serious modelling agency and consistent networking.

Simone Rocha: Craftsmanship in Focus

Simone Rocha is one of the few designers who effortlessly combine craftsmanship and avant-garde. Her hybrid presentation offered close insights into the creation process of the collection and made clear: hundreds of working hours are behind every garment. This is a philosophy that also applies to building a modelling career – those who carefully plan their steps to become a model reap long-term rewards.

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What Fashion Week models really need

Accompanying an event on the level of Fashion Week is no accident. It requires preparation, the right agency and a profile that stands out from the crowd. Anyone who dreams of one day standing on a London catwalk should know these basics:

Strong portfolio with current photos
Clean skin care and movement training
Agency with a runway focus
Build international experience
Attend castings regularly

The model measurements and requirements play a role – but they are not the only criterion. London Fashion Week in recent years has clearly shown much more diversity on its runways. Curvy models, people of colour, older models: The image of a homogeneous runway increasingly belongs to the past. Anyone who wants to become a curvy model finds more doors open today than ever before.

“London is the only Fashion Week where rebellion is considered good taste. Here, fashion can scream – and is celebrated for it.”

The role of the modelling agency at Fashion Weeks

No model career on a Fashion Week level is possible without professional support. An agency listed in our Top 10 Model Agencies opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. Bear in mind: a reputable agency never asks for upfront fees. Anyone unsure whether costs will apply should first inform themselves about the question Do model agencies charge fees? – and only contact model agencies without fees.

Regionally there are strong starting points: whether it’s Model Agency Berlin, Model Agency Hamburg or Becoming a Model in Frankfurt – the journey to the Fashion Week always begins locally.

How to apply for international runways

The dream of London, Paris or New York is more tangible than many think. The path there is clearly structured – but it requires discipline and the right entry point. Those who want to become a model in London should know: British agencies are actively looking for international talent. And those who are eyeing the American market will find all the important information under become a model in New York.

Checklist for applying to a modelling agency:

☐ Current photos (natural light, unedited)
☐ Document measurements and clothing size
☐ Prepare a model portfolio for casting
☐ Record a short profile video
☐ Targeted preparation for casting
☐ Personalise your cover letter
☐ Carefully choose an agency

Those who have not yet taken the first steps can apply directly now and take the first step towards a professional career. Those who first want to try modelling as a side job will also find the right entry point there.

For those wondering whether the effort is worth the financial reward: The question What does a model earn? answers what is actually possible at Fashion Week level – and how big the difference can be between local jobs and international runway productions.

Frequently asked questions about London Fashion Week

Who is allowed to walk at the London Fashion Week?

Generally, the designers decide which models are booked. Access is almost exclusively through agencies. Those looking for a model agency without minimum size or wishing to register with an agency with an international network have the best chances of being forwarded to Fashion Week productions.

What measurements are required for runway jobs in London?

The classic high-fashion measurements still play a role, yet London is known for using a wider variety of body types. Those wishing to learn about the exact Model Agency Minimum Height requirements will find detailed information there. For plus-size applications, a look at Model with Larger Sizes is worthwhile.

How do you prepare for a casting for Fashion Weeks?

A casting for an event of this scale requires a professional portfolio, clear photographs, runway experience and mental strength. Good preparation also includes contacting a model agency with a personalised profile. Tips for specific preparation can be found under preparing for a casting.

Are Fashion Weeks also accessible to applicants without an agency?

Direct applications to design houses are rarely successful – the way usually leads through an established agency. Those who don’t have representation yet should first go through the Model become Steps and then specifically apply to an agency listed in the Top 10 Model Agencies or apply directly via apply now.