moving to London in a pandemic

... "and I couldn’t help but wonder, are sweat pants really a sign of defeat?”

You've caught me in a Carrie Bradshaw 'reflective' moment in the midst of tier 4 lockdown at Christmas, which consists of Juicy-Couture-problems to avoid watching the news. I have begun to detest the program which brings little relief in 2020, as many others around the world surely can relate to. A devastating year of human suffering, business hardship and fashion crisis' has many people actively looking for silver linings.

For me personally, I've had the privilege of starting a new adventure at London College of Fashion for a master's program. Of course, the dream to live in a fashion capital was tainted with anxiety, fear and a little apprehension, and moving into an epicentre of the pandemic to study fashion was an ironic take on 'beauty is pain' for me. Nevertheless, after 30-hour multi-plane journey (donned with a face mask and so much sanitizer I think it’s permanently in my bloodstream), my Australian feet arrived into an eerily empty Heathrow airport with intentions of taking London by storm.

Since then, we have celebrated Covid's first birthday (no streamers or cake there), and many of my unanswered questions about living abroad in a global crisis have been mostly satisfied with a response - including how to style a face mask.

It seems that Londoner's are tired of the pandemic’s ramifications, having been in an 'on and off-again' relationship with lockdown since March. Through this tough time of being separated from loved ones, it has been inspiring to see people create new ways to stay mentally and physically healthy, and even support one another.

We've seen brand's step up to aid our global crisis: LVMH started to manufacture hand sanitizer, Carolina Herrera launched the Heart for Hope campaign donating to Covid-19 frontline workers, Burberry supplied hospital gowns and masks for the NHS and Ralph & Russo delivered care packages to the Royal London Hospital. This has notably been one of the hardest periods for luxury fashion and a key focus for brands has been to keep and increase engagement with their customers whilst consumer spending is down. Alexander McQueen even introduced #McQueenMusic playlist and #McQueenCreators competition to encourage creativity and sharing.

It seems there are always ways to make the best of a bad situation. I still have been able to explore London's museums, incredible flagships stores, world-class restaurants and so much more when it's been safe to. So far I am adoring living in this vibrant city with a beautiful mixture of people and festive spirit, all whilst studying my favourite area of fashion marketing.

Naturally, lockdown does lend a little downtime which I spend collating dream 'London Looks' (as well as shopping pre-loved goodies from Sellier Knightsbridge). I thought I'd share my current wishlist to keep things fun, aspirational and well, going during this strange time:

London Lockdown List: