Fashion's front row tribes

by Georgina Langford
london fashion week tribes

London Fashion Week tribes

It's that time again; London Fashion Week kicks off next week, while over the next 28 days the industry will be flitting between New York, Paris and Milan for the rest of the catwalk schedule. This is the only time the entire fashion community can be witnessed in one place, and what a spectacle it is to behold. Like the watering holes of Africa, Fashion Week gathers all the different style species together, each breed jostling to be leaders of the pack. In true Attenborough style we have explained the different LFW tribes, to help you identify the strange creatures who will soon be competing in the survival of the fittest (fashion-est?).

1. The Fashion Bloggers [internetus-stylistus]:

A now common sight at all catwalk events, the Fashion Bloggers command front row seats at the shows due to having a zillion followers on their street style/shopping/personal inspiration blog. They can be seen wearing anything as long as it's by a designer so up-and-coming no-one else has even heard of them, some sort of kooky headwear, and a pair of ridiculously stacked wedges (that's just the boys.) Always seen with a laptop glued to their knees for on-the-go show reports. Bitter rivals of the Editorial Elite, who are often seen shooting daggers at the Fashion Bloggers from the seat behind them on the second row. Meow! See: Susie Bubble, Tavi, BryanBoy

2. The Editorial Elite [wintourious-giganticus]:

a.k.a. the originals. The EE are a refined breed of fashion journalists who have put in the hard graft over the years to earn their place on the Frow. They exude sophistication; from their artful blow-drys, statement stilettos to their eye-wateringly expensive handbags. Eyes shaded by sunglasses, they'll be wearing something from next season. Of course. The Editorial Elite are prone to using the words 'uber' 'fabulous' and 'that's so now' in a non-ironic way. See: any editor of a glossy women's publication.

3. The Models [lesser-spotted skinnius-birdus]:

Integral to any Fashion Week, The Models are easily spotted due to their slender frames and sleepy expressions. Often seen in an alarming combination of casual clothes, a face full of extreme makeup and a designer bag that weighs more than they do. The Models will not be parted from life's essentials: their cigarettes, Blackberry and a London A-Z. See: 'The Model Agency'.

4. The Blaggers [fashionistus-wannabeus]:

Fashion students from London's prestigious art colleges are a scrappy bunch, who will fight tooth and nail to get into a Christopher Kane show. Will often be seen in flirting/begging/pleading rituals with the Clipboard Army (aka PR girls). Their style includes anything they have made themselves or borrowed (read: stolen) from the fashion cupboard at the magazine where they are doing an unpaid, slave-labour internship.

5. The PR Army [clipboardius-powerqueenus]:

Dressed entirely in black with a Steps-esque headset strapped to one ear and an iPhone to the other, the PR Army exude a frisson of stress and expensive perfume. Experts at defending territory, you'll have to get past the PR Army if you want that coveted front-row goodie bag. Bitter enemies of the fashionistus-wannabeus.

6. The Eccentrics [crazius-scarius]:

Nobody really knows who these bizarre creatures are; dressed in the most mind-boggling outfits (including rubber transvestite get-ups, hobo-chic dresses and a suit covered in spikes) they turn up every Fashion Week, sit on the Frow, before disappearing again. Sometimes they are the designer's muse, but more often than not they are just one of a dying breed of people who will wear a lobster on their head to Sainsbury's (and that's just a dress-down day). LFW just wouldn't be the same without them. See: Pandora, Anna Piaggi.



So which fashion tribe do you think you would belong to? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter @Handbagcom
Take our Fashion Tribes quiz
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