London Fashion Week is considered one of the “Big Four,” alongside New York, Milan, and Paris, making it one of the most significant fashion events globally. During the two coolest fashion events of the year, which take place in February and September, London transforms into an even more glamorous and vibrant city. Thousands of people flock to witness not only the runway shows of the most prominent designers but also the numerous accompanying events, including exhibitions, showcases, and sparkling parties organized alongside Fashion Week.

To find out in detail how to organize a fantastic stay in London during Fashion Week, we interviewed Daniele Racca, a brilliant professional responsible for business travel management at Maratona Viaggi, a tour operator specializing in organized and group travel with several branches in Piedmont.

Daniele, which are the most comfortable hotels you would recommend during London Fashion Week?

The options in a metropolis like London are vast. Based on my experience, I can suggest some examples of unique, historical, and always cutting-edge locations that can make a stay in London unforgettable during the most fashionable weeks of the year. For example, the Ritz Hotel, a majestic neoclassical building known worldwide as a synonym for luxury and opulence, or the elegant Savoy Hotel, offering an exclusive breathtaking view of the Thames and London’s most emblematic monuments, serving as an elegant retreat after exploring the best of the capital. Also of high class is the Rosewood Hotel, a magnificent Art Deco building with contemporary décor located in exclusive High Holborn, London. Within the historic walls of this 5-star hotel opened in 2013, you can admire luxurious contemporary design with every comfort. Also noteworthy for the most discerning guests is the Corinthia Hotel, located a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, offering exclusive penthouses, luxurious suites, and impeccably furnished and ultra-comfortable rooms. It also boasts restaurants, bars, even a florist, and a spa to relax in after a hectic day. Also targeting a very high-end clientele is the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, a luxurious palace overlooking Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, boasting a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and a splendid spa with 13 treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym, and a 17-meter-long swimming pool.

On the other hand, what are some of the coolest restaurants to dine in central London after a hectic day?

Even in the realm of dining, London’s offerings are extensive and able to satisfy the most discerning palates in terms of culinary art and location. For a glamorous and tasteful dinner, some of the trendiest restaurants include: The Ivy, a historic celebrity haunt in an Art Deco setting offering modern British cuisine and pre-show menus. The Ledbury, a restaurant located on Ledbury Road, in the famous Notting Hill, which held 2 Michelin stars from 2010 to 2021. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, opened in 2011, received a Michelin star in just one year and earned a second in 2014. In April 2014, it was also ranked fifth in the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world. The Wolseley, an elegant restaurant with a sumptuous Art Deco atmosphere serving modern European dishes and delicious afternoon teas for those who love the English tradition. Oxo Tower Restaurant, a modern venue with a terrace-garden and panoramic views of the skyline, offering tasty international brasserie dishes. Rules, a historic Edwardian-style restaurant, opened in 1798, offering traditional British dishes, mainly based on game. Petersham Nurseries: a venue with a verdant greenhouse serving seasonal dishes adorned with edible flowers.

Daniele, after attending cutting-edge fashion shows or presentations, where can ‘Fashion lovers’ indulge in luxury shopping in the City?

For those wishing to shop, enticed also by the vibrant fashion week of one of the most fashionable European capitals ever, there are several places to visit: The famous Harrods, an icon of luxury with over 330 departments spread over seven floors! This enormous luxury shopping center located on Brompton Road is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts in London. Dover Street Market, a minimalistic and fashionable industrial space for contemporary urban style enthusiasts. Bond Street, offering a pleasant stroll among shops with Royal Warrant and luxury brands. Liberty London, an iconic Tudor-style shopping hotspot, with emerging young designers and an in-house brand. Sloane Street, located in one of London’s wealthiest neighborhoods, this famous street winding from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square welcomes the stores of the world’s most famous brands.

By Pier Mario Bonatti