Senate House hosts London Fashion Week in February 2023

It was a perfect pairing.

Picture timeless, floor-skimming silhouettes crafted in the finest fabrics against the backdrop of a stunning Art Deco staircase in the heart of Bloomsbury.

The marbled halls of Senate House, a Grade 2 listed fixture of the London skyline, played host to British fashion brand TOVE’s London Fashion Week debut in February 2023, to the delight of a front row populated by the glitterati.

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Realising our client’s vision

Senate House staff arrived on site shortly before 5am and the ground and first floors were soon abuzz with excitement. Lighting, sound and other kits had been delivered the day before, allowing the client to set up early. We ensured the foyer, Crush Hall and other site areas had been stripped back, with all plants, rugs, curtains and furniture removed to create a perfect blank canvas for the client.

Organisers began putting up furniture, screens, sound equipment, lighting rigs, and a photographers’ platform so the glitz and glamour of the day could be captured for posterity. While the backstage crew continued to work, catering and refreshment were served in the Beveridge Hall, one of the building’s largest event spaces, which offers flexible seating and has a large stage area. Up on the first floor, the Chancellor’s Hall – a spectacular room with Travertine marble, oak and bronze features – was transformed into a changing room for models with makeup stations.

A vast runway was erected across the ground and first floors of the Senate House tower, stretching down a flight of stairs designed in the finest marble by late architect Charles Holden – a creative powerhouse also known for his groundbreaking designs of many London Underground stations.

Our passionate events team watched proudly as the first models entered the runway, later followed by TOVE founders Camille Perry and Holly Wright who thanked guests and waved goodbye from the top of the stairs after the show. Seeing the event come together was a real highlight for our busy and experienced events team, who always put their best foot forward to turn clients’ dreams into reality.

Environmentally friendly, health-conscious bespoke catering

In addition to crew catering, our hospitality team also planned and whipped up a selection of bespoke options for the models. Our expert chefs prepared an array of healthy food and drink options including tropical fruit platters, crushed avocado and grilled heritage tomato on sourdough, oat milk smoothies and more.

We have experience customising menus across a large range of events, from banquets to business lunches, and work hard to leave our guests feeling impressed and satisfied during their time with us.

We always use fresh, high quality and locally sourced ingredients where possible and are committed to environmental responsibility, with seasonal menus and efforts to reduce waste and minimise our green footprint.

 ​​​​​​​Get in touch today  

With its enduring charm, central location and large portfolio of outdoor event spaces, Senate House has played host to some of the city’s most prestigious events including London Fashion Week 2010. We cater to a vast range of events, from conferences, banqueting, training events and awards ceremonies to film shoots, with our historic London venue featured in numerous blockbuster films and acclaimed TV dramas.

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