London Fashion Week is always a whirlwind of activity, but for the models navigating the chaos, Weleda’s Model Lounge offers a much-needed sanctuary. Returning for its 17th year this February, the Weleda Model Lounge provides a tranquil space where models can relax, recharge, and enjoy some pampering amid their hectic schedules.
Nestled in Bloomsbury, a historically creative district of London, the Weleda Model Lounge is designed to be a home away from home for models. The initiative, which began in 2007, was the brainchild of international model and fashion advocate Erin O’Connor. Concerned about the pressures young models face, she envisioned a nurturing space where they could take a break from the relentless demands of the industry.
“Most models are very young when they first enter into the industry,” O’Conner explains. “I wanted to provide a safe haven to allow them to flourish and feel comfortable with themselves. When you combine the amount of pressure they receive from the industry and the media, I felt it was important to provide a service which aims to nurture and encourage them.”
At the heart of the lounge’s offerings are complimentary facials and holistic skincare advice from Weleda’s team of experienced Estheticians. With organic skincare at the forefront, models can refresh their skin with relaxing Skin Food Glow facials, designed to restore radiance and soothe tired complexions after hours of heavy makeup and runway lights.
In addition to skincare, the Model Lounge provides healthy refreshments, courtesy of organic and biodynamic brands. Collaborators this season include Clearspring, known for its plant-based, organic foods; Hampstead Tea, a pioneer in biodynamic and ethical teas; Yeo Valley Organic, offering creamy organic dairy products; and Celestial Coffee, an ethical roastery prioritizing sustainability.
Since its inception, the Weleda Model Lounge has evolved into a staple of London Fashion Week, championing the well-being of models with a holistic approach. Beyond beauty, the lounge fosters a sense of community, ensuring that models have a welcoming space to rest between castings, fittings, and runway appearances.
This year, the lounge is housed within the space of Hello Beautiful, a cancer prevention charity that typically operates a vegan café and wellness hub. By sharing this venue, Weleda continues to align with its ethos of supporting wellbeing in all its forms.
One of the highlights of the Weleda Model Lounge is its coveted gift bag, featuring sustainable beauty essentials, including Weleda’s iconic Skin Food. This multi-tasking moisturizer has become a go-to backstage, used by makeup artists to create a luminous complexion and hydrate parched skin. According to a recent survey, 99% of makeup artists recommend Skin Food, with over 98% considering it a staple in their kits.
As London Fashion Week continues to push boundaries in fashion, Weleda’s Model Lounge remains a vital part of the event, reminding the industry that beauty is not just about aesthetics—it’s about well-being. By offering a haven for models, Weleda underscores the importance of holistic self-care, proving that true beauty starts from within.
