Originally published on Monday, 23rd February 2009

Out and About

Fancy a taste of fashion week but don't see yourself blagging a front row piece of the action? Then check out UJs pick of the best extra curricular LFW happenings, exhibitions, and installations in the capital in honour of LFW. Catwalks are like, so mainstream, darling.

		Hussein Chalayan at The Design Museum 22nd January – 17th May Fashion’s technophile takes over The Design Museum for his first solo showcase of his entire body of work, from skirts that turn into tables and back and dresses that pack into suitcases on the wearer, to LED lights implanted in blouses and mechanical gowns that magically move on the model. 28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD
		Matt Irwin: ‘Punk, Perfect, Awful' 20th February – 11th March The third solo exhibition from this ex-Mormon Vogue photographer sees Irwin take over Cordy House with a series of anti-gloss photographs, linking his earlier punk street work with his more fashion focused projects (he’s just finished shooting Alexa Chung for New Look). Featuring the likes of Natasha Poly, Natalia Vodinova, Lovefoxx, Gareth Pugh and his personal icon, Bjork, it’s a grittier look at an airbrushed world.   Cordy House, 87-95 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS
		Urban Art at the Ultralounge 20th February – 26th February Apart from huge Tilda Swinton cut outs from AnOther Magazine currently gracing its windows, Selfridges is hosting The Urban Art exhibition, curated by Mary McCarthy from Dreweatts Auction House. Featuring works by some of the leading national and international street artists of today, including Banksy, Blek Le Rat, Rene Gagnon, and Judith Supine, it includes lots of works which will be up for auction on the 26th. For those who like their art on the wall, not on the body. 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
		Simply Madonna Exhibit 21st February – 22nd March Are you more of a fan of the pointy-bustier or the ripped denim? Did the sleek, raven-haired desert dweller do it for you, or was it the baby blue Stetson? Evita or children's book writer? Marilyn Monroe-esque beauty, or 50 year old in a thong? Love her or loathe her, Madonna remains one of the most iconic women of our generation. And this is the largest private collection of her outfits under one roof. The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
		Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones 24th February – 31st May Hats off to one of the world’s most prolific milliner, whose hats have graced the crowns of everyone from catwalk coutouriers to ascot darlings, with designer collaborations and his own collections in between. So where better than the V&A to showcase a lifetime of work, and a look into the clients who inspire these whimsical creations. Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
		Eonnagata with McQueen designed costumes at Sadlers Wells Previews: 26th – 28th Feb Shows: 2nd – 8th March Bringing together dancer, Silvie Guillem, theatrical wünderkind, Robert Lepage, choreographer, Russell Maliphant, and fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, Eonnagata is their first performative collaboration. And it's based on the true story of Charles de Beaumont - diplomat, writer and swordsman, who was also the first spy to dress as a lady to enact a disguise. How very dare he! Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN
		Topshop As usual, Topshop are taking fashion week to heart with catwalk screenings, an in store Judges Bakery residency, and DJ sets from guests Ebony Bones and Stricken City. Get down for a lesson in customising from Fashion Editor Aleksandra Olenska, whilst Designer Alterations is hosting a workshop where experts will nip and pin your ill fitting garb. Top it all off with limited edition graphic bags by Richard Nicoll, Ann-Sofie Back and Todd Lynn up for grabs from the printing machine. 216 Oxford Street, W1D 1LA
		Katie Grand’s shop redesign at Prada on Old Bond Street Following the order of the fashion week season, Prada has enlisted ‘The Iconoclasts’, four of the world’s leading fashion editors, to give their stores a little design remix. London’s Old Bond Street got some love from Katie Grand, über stylist and the Editor of new fashion bible LOVE, who mixed vintage Prada with new collections, mens with womens, and collaborated with David Simms on a film featuring burning mannequins in a skate park, with a real ramp in store. 17-18 Old Bond Street, W1S 4AT