This op-ed originated from an Instagram post shared on 29 October by Sam McKnight, hairstylist and brand founder.

I’ve been involved with London Fashion Week since my dear friend Lynne Franks helped start it over 40 years ago, and, my, how it has evolved. However, the backstage conditions can leave a lot to be desired; too often unsanitary, ridiculously cramped, hot and frankly unsafe for the 120-plus artists, models, stylists and photographers to do their respective jobs to the standards expected.

I’ve been banging on for at least 20 years (at the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man — and now this GOM is speaking out on behalf of those who can’t, for fear of being blacklisted) about overcrowding, unnecessary and disturbing screaming and shouting, unsuitable and unstable mirrors, th

See Full Page