London Fashion Week and mannequins: Behind the scenes

Behind the glamour, the catwalks, and the flashing cameras, there’s a world of planning, styling and preparation that brings London Fashion Week to life. When the designers and models take centre stage, the behind the scenes work is where all the magic begins. With roots in the first ever fashion week, and a rich London Fashion Week history, these biannual events continue to evolve, but one thing remains the same: preparation is everything.

In this article, we will take a look at what really happens behind the scenes at London Fashion Week, exploring how using mannequins play a part in the preparation, see what really happens behind the curtains, and how you can choose the right mannequin for London Fashion Week 2025.

Preparing for London Fashion Week

Preparing for London Fashion Week is a fast paced process that involves countless creative decisions. With London Fashion Week 2025  taking place from Thursday 18th to Monday 22nd September, designers are already deep into the planning phase. From finalising collections and rehearsing runways to designing impactful presentations, every detail contributes to the success of the show.

How mannequins can help with the preparation of London Fashion Week

Mannequins play a subtle but important role in the preparation for fashion week. Designers use mannequins during the design and preparation stages to see how a garment falls, fits, and photographs before it ever touches a model. This allows for adjustments, especially for complex silhouettes or detailed couture pieces.

In the backstage environment, mannequins act as placeholders, holding looks between dressing changes, helping stylists arrange full outfits, or allowing last minute accessories and layers to be added without rushing the model. For static installations, showroom previews, or press appointments that often happen during London Fashion Week, mannequins offer a polished and consistent way to present a collection beyond the runway.

What really happens behind the curtains

Here’s what really goes on behind the scenes, broken down into key stages, from fittings to final runway moments, with mannequins quietly playing their part in the process.

1. Final fittings with designers

Backstage often begins in near silence, filled with focus. Designers like Simone Rocha and Roksanda Ilincic can be found making last minute tweaks. Mannequins are used during prep days to hold garments between fittings, allowing stylists and tailors to perfect silhouettes in real time.

2. Dressing the models

As the countdown ticks, the dressing area becomes a blur of fabric and focus. Models step into delicately embroidered clothing and directional pieces, sometimes lifted straight from mannequins used in the designer’s prep space or presentation room, acting as a stand-in body between castings.

3. Capturing the moment

Photographers, inspired by icons like Robert Fairer, capture the intensity that the public never sees. Mannequins, dressed and lined up backstage or within the venue, often make cameo appearances in these shots, acting as calm counterpoints to the bustling energy around them.

4. Installations and press previews

Mannequins step into the spotlight during installations, showroom previews, and press appointments that often run alongside the main shows at London Fashion Week. These moments offer a closer look at clothing and accessories, allowing collections to be appreciated up close in a calm setting. Mannequins provide a consistent, elegant way to showcase designs throughout fashion week, long after the models have walked.

Choosing the right mannequin for London Fashion Week 2025

Choosing the right mannequin is all about capturing the essence of a designer’s vision. With such a diverse range of collections on display, the mannequin needs to reflect the tone and structure of the clothing it presents. For sculptural looks or experimental silhouettes, designers may opt for abstract or headless forms that let the clothing take centre stage. Others might choose lifelike figures with strong poses to enhance storytelling in static displays or showroom settings.

We offer a wide selection of mannequins to suit every aesthetic, from our IAM collection representing real bodies, to our Fluid and Mademoiselle collections for more animated presentations. For those in need of practical and adaptable forms during the creation process, our Workroom collection offers sturdy papier-mâché busts and forms, perfect for tailoring, draping, and pre-show preparation. You can even hire our clothing rails for an easy display solution!

How Proportion London can help with London Fashion Week 2025

If you want your collection to stand out for London Fashion Week 2025, choosing the right mannequin is key to capturing your vision and perfecting every silhouette. With our wide selection, fast delivery, and flexible hire options, we’re ready to support your creative journey from the first fitting to the final showcase. Don’t let your designs miss their moment! Reach out to us today to find out more.