The Catwalk to Cover exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Photo: Kirstin Sinclair

A Top Five guide to things to do during and after London Fashion Week, which takes place from February 17 to 22.

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The biannual style extravaganza is one of the highest profile events on the fashion calendar.

Its also big news for London, providing a multi-million boost to the capitals economy and expected to generate orders in the region of 100 million as visitors from the around the world.

For history

True fashionistas know the history behind the clothes theyre wearing, so head to the Fashion and Textile Museum in Southwark to find out more. It is currently hosting Catwalk to Cover, an exhibition showing the journey designer clothing makes from the catwalk to magazines. Clothing from top designers is also on display.

For celebs

London Fashion Week is one of the biggest events on the global fashion calendar, and attracts famous people aplenty. The usual suspects such as Kate Moss will most likely be hanging around, so see if you can spot a celeb or two heading to an LFW event. Pippa Middleton (left), Rosario Dawson, Peaches Geldolf and Samantha Cameron were among those spotted at LFW in September.

For shopping

Youll be wanting to look your best while the fashion crowd is in town, and theres something for every budget in London, whether youre a lowly fashion assistant or American Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Commercial centres like Westfield cater for every style, while those looking for something unique can head to vintage stores such as Blitz near Brick Lane. Markets offer potential for bargains.

For relaxing

Even hardened fashion fans need a break, so its important to take some time out. LFW is held in Somerset House, moments away from Victoria Embankment. Take a stroll along the riverside, which looks great in the evenings, and take in the views, or head into town for the short walk to Covent Garden Market. And walking means youll be more likely to spot those celebs.

For afterwards

LFW is a trade event, so if youre not in the fashion industry, you wont get in. But when the doors shut at LFW they open at London Fashion Weekend, also at Somerset House, where you can shop for designer goods, take in shows on the same catwalk used by LFW and indulge in beauty treatments to make you look catwalk-ready.