London Fashion Week starts early as scouts look for new models in London Heathrow’s Terminal

Matt Crossi

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has launched a new scheme for aspiring models to be scouted, for London Fashion Week. The airport has partnered with the inclusive model agency, The MiLK Collective to choose passengers to join as a model. The agency is renowned for its diversity and challenging conventions.

“We’re excited to partner with The MiLK Collective to give aspiring models a chance to ‘take off’ right here at the airport. And for passengers looking to get into the Fashion Week spirit, there’s no better place to shop. From Burberry to Reiss, we’ve got the brands that make Heathrow the ultimate pre-runway shopping destination,” said Fraser Brown, Heathrow Retail Director.

The event was kicked off with an array of airport fashion by four agency models who strutted down a catwalk in classic travel apparel including leggings and neck pillows, as well as linen suits, vintage dresses and casualwear. A record 1.75 million passengers will travel through Heathrow for Fashion Week, including industry executives, brands, designers and models. Aspiring models will have a chance to be spotted when scouts return to Terminal 5 on Friday 13 September.

What happens if you’re picked?

The first models were scouted on September 4 when the new fashion runway opened in Terminal 5 Arrivals. Scouts from the MiLK Collective were on the lookout for people of any age with an individual personality and unique sense of style. Those who are successfully scouted could gain an exclusive contract with the agency to be on their books for at least a year. They will join models who have been on the cover of Vogue and shot for some of today’s hottest high-end fashion brands.

Anna Shillinglaw, Founder and Managing Director at The MiLK Collective, said: “You can find a huge mix of people at airports, and so many who would be brilliant models. I’ve personally scouted passengers waiting for a flight or checking in a bag on recent trips abroad. Airport fashion is also a unique thing. Every time I’m at the airport I’ll see a mix of wonderful outfits that people choose to travel in, and it’s those individual looks and personalities that we will be looking out for as passengers take to the Heathrow runway. We’re expecting to see thousands of people in total and I can’t wait to see who eventually makes it onto our books.”

Why is Heathrow doing this?

The scouting took place after what has been Heathrow’s busiest summer yet, with over 30 million passengers since June  2024. The airport is preparing to follow it with a bumper September, with up to 1.75 million people expected to arrive and depart over the Fashion Week period – many of them fashion industry execs, designers and brands. There is an uptick in the run up to the events every year, with thousands more passengers flying in from destinations like Milan, Paris, New York, Shanghai and Dubai.

Mr Brown also noted that: “London Fashion Week is one of the UK’s most iconic cultural events, and industry leaders, designers, and models will soon be passing through our doors to attend. But the impact of the UK fashion industry goes far beyond just one week or one city. It’s a powerhouse for the British economy, driving billions in value and sharing the work of creatives from all over Britain with the world – and we’re proud that Heathrow plays a unique role within this sector”.