Harrods
Taking trips to Harrods was definitely the highlight of my stay and an adventure I have been looking forward to since my first day in London. Harrods is known for being the most popular and largest department store in the world and being the home of the latest men’s and women’s designer fashion, luxury gifts, food, and accessories. This luxury department store is located in Knightsbridge, London, with over 12,000 employees offering an abundant amount of brands for fashion lovers across seven floors. It was first founded in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod and only sold tea and groceries at the time starting in one room. By 1880, the department store extended successfully and attracting wealthy customers with their variety of clothes, food, perfumes, and much more. Unfortunately, the department store was destroyed caused by fire but that did not stop the owners to rebuild the store, to what it looks like today, as it was, in fact, a successful business people loved. Another fun fact, Harrods features one of the world’s first escalators in 1898. With the start of a new season and the top designers around the world showing off their latest collections in London, Milan, New York, and Paris, I was extremely excited to make a visit as September is considered to be the biggest month of the year in the fashion world. I was able to admire and appreciate the killer trends and amazing pieces by all of my favorite designers and brands. A few of my favorite luxury brands that they offer are Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, and Chanel. I felt lucky that I got to see the launch of The Burberry Conservation pop-up space as well as the new and renovated Bulgari boutique after hearing so much about it online. My favorite part about Harrods is that you can find exclusive designs you won’t find anywhere else and the fascinating architecture of the building. The Egyptian-style room and Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed memorial was also so incredible to see, cannot compare it to any department store in the U.S.
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London Fashion Week
September 2018
London Fashion Week takes place twice a year in the city, in February and September. An entire week when the city is invaded with the best of fashion trade shows showcasing the most popular and known designers of all time. It takes place in 180 Strand, London, where thousands of press, buyers, and fashion lovers gather around to find out what are going to be the hottest trends for the upcoming seasons. A few of my favorite designers and brands that were featured during LFW were Victoria Beckham, Burberry, and Alexa Chung. Because these fashion shows are so important for the fashion industry, only the press, buyers, and invited guests are the only ones able to see the show. However, they do offer an LFW Festival in which people are able to purchase tickets if they wish to attend. As a fashion lover, this was the week I have been looking forward to the most. I was so excited to be here in London and being able to experience what it’s like since I have never had an experience like this because Chicago is not much of a fashion city like New York City is. Although I wasn’t able to watch a fashion show, I was satisfied and happy to hang out at the location surrounded by people that have the same interest and passion as me. I was amazed by the fashion styles of all the people that were there and inspired me, even more, to continue to pursue my dream in the fashion industry. I saw so many fashion bloggers from a distance and even talked to a couple of girls that were there for the same reason as me. I observed the current trends in colors, styles, patterns, and everything that people are rocking this season. Some of these trends include checkered coats, neon colors, midi skirts, and chunky sneakers. But the most exciting experience during my time was the several photographers that asked me if they could take pictures of me. I was so happy and overwhelmed at the same time because I have never modeled before. They must’ve really like my outfit, which completely filled my heart with joy. A brand called Accessorize asked me to model one of their hats, and later during the week, I found out that they featured me on their Instagram account which is so insane! Another highlight of LFW was that we saw the one and only Brooklyn Beckham. He was outside like the rest of us taking pictures of models but I was too shy to ask for a picture. Hands down, the best experience of my life. I hope in the near future I become more involved in these types of events because that’s what I love. I know how fashion is part of British life and culture as I notice by how great people dress and what is offered in stores. Therefore, being the reason why I chose this city to study abroad.