Vogue World is taking over the west end to kick off London Fashion Week

“Our editors have spent so much time at fashion shows over the years, around the world, that we thought: ‘Why not put together one of our own—one that tells a story about the cultural moment we’re in, but through the lens of fashion?’” Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue, explains of the inspiration behind Vogue World. Here, designers Supriya Lele, Marco Capaldo, Steven Stokey-Daley, Harris Reed, Laura Lowena, Emma Chopova, Rejina Pyo and Conner Ives sketch supermodel Kristen McMenamy in The Orangery in Holland Park. Charlotte Wales

Last year, Vogue World’s dazzling New York debut took over West 13th Street with a high-fashion parade that featured, in quick succession, an opening appearance from Serena Williams; 112 models strutting down the catwalk to Madonna’s “Vogue”; a balletic turn from Mikhail Baryshnikov; 80 marathon runners; a Lil Nas X performance supported by the Hadid sisters; eight Howard University majorettes; and a cameo from Oscar the Grouch. And after the entertainment wrapped up? Ticket holders joined Vogue editors and a bevvy of A-listers for a street party—and street food—put on by some of the world’s leading fashion houses: cookies courtesy of Gucci; pastrami sandwiches from Michael Kors X Katz’s Deli; and baguettes by Fendi (what else?).

The brightest lights in the British theatre scene are helping to orchestrate Vogue World: London, with Stephen Daldry as well as director Emily Burns and producer Fran Miller—both of the National Theatre—coordinating the staging of the event. Above, Ian McKellen teaches models Kesewa Aboah, Alva Claire and Jean Campbell how to master the art of the bow. Charlotte Wales

This September, Vogue will follow its Meatpacking District coup with a theatrical West End production encompassing the best of British culture and fashion. Creatively overseen by BAFTA- and Olivier-winning director Stephen Daldry, whose credits range from The Crown to Billy Elliot, the event will kick-start London Fashion Week with a red carpet, dramatic performances, and—of course–a runway extravaganza at Theatre Royal Drury Lane showcasing the best of the autumn/winter 2023 collections.

Every facet of the performing arts will be represented at Vogue World: London, with the support of the Royal Opera House, Andrew Lloyd Webber and LW Theatres, the Royal Ballet, and the Rambert Dance Company (above, with Naomi Campbell). Charlotte Wales

From Shakespeare to Stormzy, the evening will pay tribute to British creatives in every form, with appearances from opera singers and supermodels, fashion designers and ballerinas—putting ticket holders in the room with couture-clad stars whose talents are globally renowned. Among the luminaries supporting Vogue’s takeover of the Grade I-listed building’s gilded surrounds? Everyone from Ian McKellen to Michaela Coel, Victoria Beckham to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Photographer Charlotte Wales captured friends of Vogue for a shoot introducing the concept for Vogue World: London. Here, Griff and Jorja Smith pose with Chineke! Orchestra in the Natural History Museum. Out of shot? An 80-foot-long blue whale skeleton, suspended from the ceiling above their heads. Charlotte Wales

“I’m thrilled to be co-hosting the second edition of Vogue World in London,” says Edward Enninful, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director, Vogue. “British Vogue has been championing fashion, culture, and the magical point where the two intersect for 107 years. Now, we’re bringing its pages to life with the help of industry-leading talents in order to support the full spectrum of the creative arts in London. I can’t wait for everyone to join us at Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a night to remember.”

As in New York, Vogue World: London will be a veritable fashion feast, with looks by established talents and emerging designers. Pictured here, Victoria Beckham, TikTok sensation Khaby Lame, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Culture Justine Simons, and The NHS Choir. Charlotte Wales

Now’s your chance to join Vogue for the event of the season, with Vogue World: London tickets officially on sale to the general public. (Want exclusive priority access to future events? Sign up for Vogue Club now.) 100 per cent of net ticket proceeds will go to benefit performing arts organisations in London, including the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House, the Rambert Dance Company, and the Royal Ballet. “The arts are under threat in the UK and Vogue World will be a timely reminder of how important they are, how vital a part of our lives, and how much they need our support,” affirms Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue. Those not able to make it to the West End, meanwhile, can follow the action via livestream on all Vogue sites globally.

The stars of stage and screen will be out in force at Vogue World: London, from Hamlet’s Cush Jumbo to Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley and Heartstopper’s William Gao—gathered together here in the Regency Café, with model Giselle Norman taking a turn as waitress. Set to style the celebrities in attendance on the night? British Vogue’s fashion director Poppy Kain, contributing fashion editor Jack Borkett and the inimitable Harry Lambert. Charlotte Wales

Vogue World London is presented by Genesis. A donation will be made on behalf of Vogue World to support performing arts organisations in London including the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House, the Rambert Dance Company, and the Royal Ballet.

Purchase your Vogue World: London tickets here now.

This story originally appeared in British Vogue.

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