Friday, 20 December 2019

London Fashion Week February 2019: A Celebration of Fashion, Culture and Art for Everyone

This February, London Fashion Week returns to showcase some of the most creative and innovative fashion designers in the world and ignites a city-wide celebration of the creative industries. London Fashion Week celebrates the intersection of fashion, music, art, design and tech with London, one of the most multicultural, vibrant and diverse cities, as a backdrop.
London Fashion Week encourages designer businesses, global brands and creative institutions to celebrate and encourage the public to get involved and celebrate the creative industries. From exhibitions to in-store activation, digital engagement and events throughout the month of February, all the below activities and events are open to the public.

London Fashion Week Festival 
Saturday 16th Feb – Sunday 17th Feb 2019
The Store X, 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA
londonfashionweekfestival.com 
London Fashion Week Festival presents London Fashion Week: Insiders jam-packed schedule will take place over two days during LFW on the 16th and 17th of February at The Store X, 180 Strand. There will be see-now, buy-now catwalk shows, industry talks, retail space and consumer experiences.

The BFC are delighted to be working with BBC Earth and ‘No Frills’ sustainable fashion designer Amy Powney of Mother of Pearl in a partnership to discuss Positive Fashion. In the first event of its kind, this collaboration brings together the global reach of the BBC, the pioneering sustainability strategy of Mother of Pearl and the fashion influence of the BFC to host a talk series on Saturday the 16th of February. 

The focus of the talks will be centred on the impact the fashion industry has on the planet while highlighting the positive tangible opportunity for sustainable fashion choices and mindful consumer behaviour. The event will be filmed by BBC Earth and content will be published across digital and social platforms ensuring global consumer reach across the BBC and BFC communities. Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The two-day runway preview will see SS19 collections on Sunday from Fyodor Golan who will present their Lost & Found collection which mixes sporty, surfer details with soft silks and embroidery while also delving into the past with influences from SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog used to create your favourite childhood pyjamas contemporarily reimagined. OSMAN refines his signature cuts and silhouettes with new colours and textures, playing with exuberant layers of ruffles and draping of fabrics on the body, as always, he will showcase cuts that flatter the female form and make a woman feel powerful. A further two designer catwalks for Saturday will be announced in the coming weeks. The talks schedule for Sunday will be led by fashion industry insiders and full schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket: Insider (£135) and Front Row (£245).
Tickets are available to purchase here.

International Fashion Showcase 2019 – ‘Brave New Worlds: The Changing Landscape of Fashion’
11th February – 25th February 2019
Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the most exciting fashion talent from around the world. Working in partnership, the British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion and Somerset House provide a tailored programme for 16 emerging international designers from 16 countries around the world, including a business development programme lead by London College of Fashion and a creative residency within Somerset House Studios in London. IFS will culminate with a free public exhibition during London Fashion Week at Somerset House, entitled ‘Brave New Worlds’ and showcasing the work developed by the designers in a compelling series of installations exploring urgent issues and new ideas that are shaping fashion globally. For more information please click here.

Artfully Walls x Anthropologie Pop-up
31st February – 3rd March 2019
Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Homeware emporium Anthropologie has launched their latest exhibition at the Kings Road Gallery.
A collaboration with Artfully Walls (a curated online shopping destination), the exhibition aims to connect quality, affordable pieces with art lovers. The portfolio of artists has been handpicked by the Anthropologie team: all prints sold are museum quality fine-art prints made with archival inks and premium paper, canvas, resulting in vivid and stunning pieces. Artists on show include Charlotte Ager, Charlotte Taylor, Francesca Iannaccone, Laura Gee and Rosie Harbottle. For more information please click here.

Another Space London
w/c 18th February 2019
4-10 Tower Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9NP
Another_Space are hosting a post London Fashion Week themed cycle class. Follow @another_spacelondon to book a bike. For more information please click here.

Anya Hindmarch – ‘Weave Project’ Installation
16th February – 19th February 2019
Brewer Street Car Park, 32 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0LA
Dubbed the “Weave Project,” the four-day event will centre around an art installation — a giant and interactive neon-blue, hand-netted tube housed in the top floor of Brewer Street Car Park in London’s Soho — created by artist collective Numen/For Use to coincide with the global relaunch of the woven Neeson bag for Spring/Summer 2019. In addition to the installation, there will also be a themed Weave Project café and a pop-up shop stocking the Neeson collection and special edition merch, while bags can be personalised on-site by crafts people who specialise in weaving. Tickets available here.


Bill Viola/Michelangelo
26th January 2019 – 31st March 2019
Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD

15 exquisite drawings by Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo are shown alongside video installations by contemporary artist Bill Viola in a major Royal Academy exhibition. Juxtaposing Viola and his ancient forebear, for the first time, The Royal Academy explores the unexpected affinities between the two artists. For more information please click here.

Celebrating China: A Pop-up Boutique by Susie Bubble
29th January 2019 – 17th February 2019
Bicester Village, Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD

The event 'Celebrating China' includes a pop-up boutique curated by fashion influencer Susie Bubble which includes a slew of rising stars, allowing consumers to shop alternative brands including Ryan Lo, Mukzin, I Am Chen, Marie Yat, Xu Zhi and Matter Matter. For more information please click here.


Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams 
2nd February 2019 – 14th July 2019
Victoria and Albert Museum, Sainsbury’s Gallery, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Spanning 1947 to the present day, this exhibition will trace the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, exploring the enduring influence of the fashion house, and Dior’s relationship with Britain. More information and ticket purchase available here.


Date Night or Mate Night with Moët & Chandon by Selfridges
8th and 13th February 2019 
The Fount Bar on G, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

Whoever you’re celebrating with, join us at The Fount Bar to enjoy an exclusive Rose Champagne tasting with Moët & Chandon brand ambassador, Marion Baudet and Ethan Boroian, UK Champagne Ambassador. Plus, enjoy a delicious food pairing board, designed to accompany your Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. You’ll be schooled in the art of bubbly and be presented with a personalised mini bottle of Moët to take away. We’ll toast to that. More information and ticket purchase available here.


David Bailey – The Sixties
14th February - 30th March 2019 
Gagosian Gallery, 17-19 Davies Street, London W1K 3DE

Gagosian is pleased to present selected photographs by David Bailey.
Bailey’s bold and iconoclastic style has made him one of the world’s most renowned living portrait photographers, and earned him as much fame as his stellar subjects. Discarding the rigid rules of a previous generation of portrait and fashion photographers, he channelled and immortalised the energies of London in the 1960s and beyond. For more information please click here


Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace 
24th February 2017 – 17th February 2019 
Kensington Palace State Apartments, Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX 

To celebrate the success of the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition, outfits from some of Diana's most iconic moments have been added to the display for 2018. In this elegant exhibition at Diana's former London home, her relationship with her favourite designers will be explored through a display of some of their original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process. For more information please click here

Diane Arbus Exhibition: In The Beginning

13th February – 6th May 2019 
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Diane Arbus was a genius. She was an early mover and shaker in the world of photography whose ripples can still be seen fifty years after her death. In 2019, The Hayward Gallery showcases her earliest work from a prolific but fledgling period, from 1956-1962. Tickets available for purchase here.

Fyodor Golan Pop-Up at Liberty
1st February – 28th February 2019
Liberty London, Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5AH

Liberty London is excited to announce the launch of an exclusive pop-up with British fashion brand Fyodor Golan. Known for their vibrant colours, tech fabrics and sportswear aesthetics, the brand will recreate their Spring/Summer 19 runway set design in womenswear on Level 1. 

The duo, Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman teamed up with Plastic Oceans U.K to raise awareness around one of the largest dangers to marine life: plastic pollution. Their runway backdrop set is made from abandoned fishing nets and emulates coral covered driftwood, highlighting the damaging impact plastic waste has on our oceans. The ‘Lost & Found’ collection has been designed for both genders and features washed out hues in recycled denims and cottons. Taking inspiration from the ocean, sporty silhouettes are 
embellished with castaway elements; from seashells to pearls and plastic waste. To add iconic nostalgia, the duo collaborated with SEGA’s ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, focusing on early pixelated imagery that showcased raw silks in bold fuchsia, and cyan blue tones. For more information please see click here.


Grace Wales Bonner: A Time For New Dreams
19th January – 16th February 2019
Serpentine Sackler Gallery, West Carriage Drive, London W2 2AR

Grace Wales Bonner presents the first in a new series of unique projects in the fields of music, fashion, art and design Featuring Chino Amobi, Black Audio Film Collective, David Hammons, Rotimi Fani Kayode, Michael-John Harper, Liz Johnson Artur, Rashid Johnson, Kapwani Kiwanga, Klein, Laraaji, Eric N. Mack, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Ben Okri, Ishmael Reed, Sahel Sound.
This exhibition focuses on Wales Bonner’s rigorous research into multiple geographies and temporalities, culminating in the presentation of her forthcoming Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, Mumbo Jumbo, a title taken from writer and exhibition booklet contributor Ishmael Reed’s seminal text of 1972. Conjuring and exploring various characters, their dress, and the worlds and spaces they inhabit, the collection features certain protagonists, such as the artist-shaman, a West African spiritual healer, and a gathering of Howard University intellectuals. At its close, the exhibition becomes an environment for the characters to inhabit. For more information please click here

Koibird goes Skiing
62 Marylebone Lane, Marylebone, London W1U 2PB

Koibird is an innovative concept store born out of the desire to capture the exoticism of travel in a retail experience. The brainchild of Belma Gaudio, Koibird is designed by set designer Anna Burns.
New for this season the store covers all facets of Alpine dressing, cold weather essentials, ski-wear, clothing, footwear and accessories from brands including Lingua Franca, Natasha Zinko and Perfect Moment with exclusive designs and one-off pieces available in-store. For more information please click here.

London Jewellery Showroom 
18th February – 29th February 2019
John Pye Auctions, 5 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PQ
The London Jewellery Showroom is back on Bond Street for 2019 to bring you two days of the best designer jewellery during LFW. A chance to discover and buy exclusive new fine and demi fine jewellery pieces from international contemporary jewellery brands such as Sian Evans, Sarah Zhuang and Dainty London. Also discover the secrets of the jewellery industry with a range of insightful industry talks including ‘How to launch your own jewellery brand’, ‘A beginners guide to gemmology’ and 'Jewels that catch an expert’s eye' with Joanna Hardy. For more information please click here

MATCHES FASHION – The Innovators Cocktail Reception
16th February 2019 5:30pm – 7:30pm 
Matches Fashion, 5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 3AP

To celebrate the SS19 instalment of MATCHESFASHION.COM’S The Innovators, join our three pioneering new designers – Harris Reed, Marta Ferri and John-Paul Pietrus of Francis de Lara – for an evening of cocktails, and be among the first to shop the pieces, exclusive to MATCHESFASHION.COM. For more information please click here.

sloggi
8th February - July 2019
2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY

Iconic underwear brand sloggi are launching at Boxpark Shoreditch on the 8th February. The Boxpark pop-up will be their first UK retail store, a landmark opening for the best-selling brief brand. 
Their six-month pop-up at Boxpark Shoreditch will tell their story and show off their full product range including S by sloggi which is their premium line and the official lingerie supplier of LFW. For more information please click here.

‘State of the Arts’ - Selfridges
January 2019 - March 2019
Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB

From January 2019, the display spaces in Selfridges, including the London flagship and stores in Birmingham and Manchester, offer shoppers and passers-by something unexpected. State of the Arts is a daring campaign from the famous department store home to numerous art installations, performances and workshops. The drive aims to promote an accessible and unfettered appreciation of creativity and continues the brand’s long-standing championing of artistic practice, asking, “Where do the lines between fashion and art fall?”

The art on show is not only available for browsing. An eclectic range of pieces including a new series of Kusama’s now iconic pumpkin, Carsten Höller’s enigmatic animals and an exclusive neon piece by Douglas Gordon are available for purchase from the Art Store, housed in London’s Corner Shop. The space combines retail, customer interaction and artist participation and will also feature major installations by Tyrrell Winston, John Margaritis, and Paola Pivi’s fluorescent feathered Polar Bears. For more information please click here.

Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution/Terence Conran – Mary Quant
8th February - 2nd June 2019
Fashion and Textiles Museum, 83 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XF

Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution will present the fashion, design and art of the Chelsea Set; a group of radical young architects, designers, photographers and artists who were redefining the concept of youth and challenging the established order in 1950s London. At the forefront of this group of young revolutionaries were Mary Quant and Terence Conran. For more information please click here.


The Dior Collection
7th February – 7th April 2019
Proud Central, 32 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6BP
Proud Galleries is pleased to present The Dior Collection, an exhibition of fashion photography showcasing the legendary designs of Christian Dior and its enduring impact on the fashion world. The House of Dior is renowned for revitalising both haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion in the 20th Century and its legacy continues to inspire modern style. Documenting this remarkable brand throughout its first two decades, the exhibition displays the iconic works of Mark Shaw, Norman Parkinson, Jerry Schatzberg, Bert Stern and Horst P. Horst. From the polished editorial shots capturing well-known figures for Life magazine, to behind-the-scenes studio snapshots, The Dior Collection explores the creation of this revolutionary luxury brand and its reinvention of the female silhouette. Entry for the exhibition is free and is open daily Monday to Saturday, 10am till 7pm and on Sundays from 10am till 6pm. For more information please click here.


The Jewellery Cut Live
18th February – 19th February 2019
The Hoxton Holborn, 199-206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD
Over two days, The Jewellery Cut Live – which is being run in partnership with Push PR – will give shoppers, retail buyers and press the chance to meet jewellery designers, place orders, browse and buy jewellery. 
The designers on show will offer visitors a mix of styles, from trend-led silver jewels to bespoke fine jewellery, and are a mix of international brands, global players and emerging talent. There will also be a series of talks held during the two days from prominent players in the industry, including influencers Katerina Perez, Kelly Seymour of Cult of Youth and Beanie Major of InDetail. Sessions will also be led by The Telegraph jewellery and watches editor Sarah Royce-Greensill, The Jewellery Cut editorial director Rachael Taylor and Push PR founder Emma Hart.

The Jewellery Cut Live will be open from 10am -9pm on Monday, 18th February and 10am – 6pm on Tuesday, 19th February. There will be complementary refreshments offered to all guests throughout the days, including an after-work shopping event from 6pm to 9pm on the 18th, with free drinks for shoppers. There will also be a piercer and manicurist at the event, offering complementary treatments for guests throughout the days. Tickets to attend The Jewellery Cut Live are free, but guests must register on Eventbrite here.

The May Fair Hotel
2nd February – 16th March 2019
The Mayfair Hotel, Stratton Street, London W1J 8LT

In honour of the V&A’s remarkable ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ exhibition, the May Fair will present a bespoke range of Dior-inspired cocktails.

Fashion and cocktail lovers are invited to taste 'The Dior Collection,' based on the exhibition's most celebrated dresses. After immersing yourself in one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, experience the delightful ‘Écarlate', ‘Pérou' and ‘Soirée de décember’ in the Official Hotel of London Fashion Week. Cocktails are priced at £16 and The Dior Collection Flight at £45. For more information please click here.

The generosity and commitment of our sponsors, suppliers and supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support for London Fashion Week September 2018: Official Sponsors Code 8, Evening Standard, JD.com, Inc., Lavazza, The May Fair Hotel, Mercedes-Benz, Nivea, The Store X, TONI&GUY; Official Suppliers Bags of Ethics, DHL, evian, Fashion & Beauty Monitor, The Gel Bottle, Getty Images, Lärabar, Launchmetrics, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, PROPERCORN, Propress, Scavi & Ray Prosecco, S by Sloggi; Official Supporters: The Department for International Trade, The European Regional Development Fund and The Mayor of London. 

BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2019 Shortlist Announced

Today the British Fashion Council (BFC) announces the shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2019.
A.W.A.K.E. MODE l Alighieri l Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY l David Koma l NEOUS l Rejina Pyo l WALES BONNER
Established in 2008, The Fund aims to discover new talent and accelerate growth over a twelve-month period through mentoring and awarding a cash prize of £200,000. The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund receives the generous support of British Vogue, Burberry, JD.com, Inc., Label/Mix, Paul Smith, Rodial and TOPSHOP.

Applications are encouraged from all over the UK, with many not shortlisted put on the radar of the high-profile industry judging committee for the first time.  

This year’s judging committee is chaired by Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue. The committee comprises of experts from across the fashion industry: Caroline Rush CBE, British Fashion Council; Erdem Moralioglu, ERDEM; Gemma Metheringham, LABEL/MIX; Maria Hatzistefanis, Rodial; Rod Manley, Burberry; Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent & Vogue Runway; Paul Price, Topshop and Xia Ding, JD.com, Inc.

The application process encourages brands to think strategically about the Fund’s core objective of business growth. All shortlisted designers will receive a full mentoring programme through the BFC’s Business Support team, with access to funders and other industry experts.

The Fund awards one designer and helps bring new knowledge to businesses and the finance put towards a full time or consultant team member but also to advise on areas such as accountancy, merchandising, business strategy, international growth, retail and e-commerce. 

Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, said: “The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund continues to be a vital initiative within the UK fashion industry. The shortlisted designers have all shown immense talent and business acumen to date.”

Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, commented: "Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers! It is a very exciting line-up which shows the breadth of talent we have here in the UK. Now more than ever, it is essential for our industry to help and mentor new talent with the potential to become the next global fashion house and I am delighted that the Fund is able to do so for the 11th consecutive year.”

The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund Judging Committee on Friday 15th March 2019 with the winner being announced on Wednesday 1st May 2019.

Previous winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund include Christopher Kane, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Molly Goddard, Mother of Pearl, Nicholas Kirkwood, palmer//harding, Peter Pilotto and Sophia Webster. 

The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is proudly supported by British Vogue, Burberry, JD.com, Label/Mix, Paul Smith, Rodial and Topshop. 

London Fashion Week February 2019 a global platform celebrating Creativity, Innovation & Business

London Fashion Week, Friday 15th – Tuesday 19th February, will showcase over 100 businesses leading in creativity and innovation with visitors from 49 countries. This season the British Fashion Council are putting a focus on a move towards more sustainable practices and their Positive Fashion initiative through a partnership with BBC Earth and designer Amy Powney of Mother of Pearl. The collaboration will explore the impact fashion industry has on the planet while highlighting the positive tangible opportunity for sustainable fashion choices by businesses and mindful consumer behaviour.

On Tuesday 19th February, the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design will be presented to Bethany Williams by the Duchess of Cornwall. The Award recognises creativity in design while embedding sustainability and community practices within the business.

February 2019 will mark the second London Fashion Week that the catwalks and designer showrooms at the event will be fur free. The BFC survey around use of fur continues to reflect what is seen as a cultural change with more designer businesses and international brands choosing not to show fur as part of their collections and increasingly more moving to being completely fur free businesses.

Facts & Figures 
The show schedule features over 100 catwalk shows, presentations and events. This season, there are 52 designers on the LFW Show Schedule, 31 presentations, 17 events, over 60 designers exhibiting in the Designer Showrooms and 7 NEWGEN designers in the NEWGEN Designer Pop-up.

Today the British Fashion Council announces new data on the British Fashion Industry:
Consumer spending on womenswear rose 5.5% to £30.9billion in 2018.
Womenswear now accounts for 51% of the total clothing market, whilst menswear accounts for 26%.
Consumer spending on clothing is forecast to rise 25% to £76 billion in the next five years to 2023.

(Mintel, 2018)
Further stats:
  • The fashion industry directly contributed £32.3billion to the UK GDP in 2017 ($41.8billion). This represents a 5.4% increase after 2016; a growth rate 1.6% higher than the rest of the economy.  The Fashion industry employs almost as many people as the financial sector with 890,000 jobs (Oxford Economics, 2018)
  • £42bn contributed by culture and creativity to London’s economy per year (london.gov.uk)
  • £10m generated every hour by the Creative Industries (london.gov.uk)
  • 1 in 11 of all UK jobs are in the UK creative economy.  This comprises jobs in the creative industries and creative jobs which are in non-creative organisations (e.g. design or marketing teams within manufacturers). (Creative Industries Council, July 2018)
  • 1 in 6 jobs in London are in the creative economy (london.gov.uk)
London Fashion Week February 2019 Schedule

The London Fashion Week catwalk and presentation schedule, Designer Showrooms and DiscoveryLAB at The Store X, 180 Strand feature the very best of emerging and established names within the industry.

This season we are delighted to welcome back to London Vivienne Westwood, winner of the Swarovski Award for Positive Change at The Fashion Awards 2018. Victoria Beckham will show in London for the second season and following last season’s much anticipated first collection under new Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci, Burberry host their catwalk show on Sunday 17th February.  London’s New Establishment continue to be a key draw with shows including Erdem, JW Anderson, Christopher Kane, Simone Rocha, Roksanda, Emilia Wickstead, Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou.

The NEWGEN 2018/19 line-up, the internationally celebrated BFC talent identification scheme includes catwalk shows from Kiko Kostadinov and Matty Bovan on Friday, Halpern on Saturday and Richard Malone on Monday as well as Supriya Lele and Paula Knorr who host presentations on Saturday 16 and Monday 18 respectively. Wales Bonner will be joining the womenswear schedule for the first time presenting a co-ed show whilst Richard Quinn, British Emerging Talent Womenswear winner at The Fashion Awards 2018 in partnership with Swarovski will show on Tuesday.  NEWGEN Accessories designer ISOSCELES Lingerie will showcase her collection within the DiscoveryLAB and Alighieri and The Season Hats will both have a dedicated space in the Designer Showrooms.

The DiscoveryLAB is an experiential zone for thinkers, makers, explorers and innovators across the landscape of fashion, art, technology and performance will include presentations from Fabian Kis-JuhaszHANGER, Katie Ann McGuigan, Miló Maria, NABIL NAYAL, NATALIEBCOLEMAN, POSTER GIRL, Renata Brenha, Rue-L, STEVE O SMITH, UNDERAGE and Wesley Harriott.

New additions to the schedule include 16ArlingtonAsai and Symonds Pearmain. Other internationally celebrated designers include Adidas x Ji Won Choi, A.W.A.K.E Mode, Alexa Chung, Alice Archer, Amanda Wakeley, Ashish, Ashley Williams, Aspinal of London, Bora Aksu, Chalayan, David Koma, Edeline Lee, Emma Charles, ERRORTIQUE, Eudon Choi, Fashion East, Fyodor Golan, Gayeon Lee, House of Holland, Huishan Zhang, International Woolmark Prize, IZZUE, Jamie Wei Huang, Jasper Conran, Jenny Packham, Johnstons of Elgin, Malene Oddershede Bach, Margaret Howell, Markus Lupfer, Marta Jakubowski, Molly Goddard, Mother of Pearl, N atasha Zinko, On/Off, Pam Hogg, Paul Costelloe, Ports 1961, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Pringle of Scotland, Push Button, RIXO London, Rejina Pyo, Roberta Einer, Roberts Wood, Roland Mouret, Ryan LO, Shrimps, Tara Lilly, Tata Naka, Toga, OSMAN, Toogood, Xiao Li, Xu Zhi and Zandra Rhodes will be on schedule to showcase their latest collections.

London Fashion Week Partnerships
The generosity and commitment of our sponsors, suppliers and supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support for London Fashion Week September 2018: Official Sponsors Code 8, Evening Standard, JD.com, Inc., Lavazza, The May Fair Hotel, Mercedes-Benz, Nivea, The Store X, TONI&GUY; Official Suppliers Bags of Ethics, DHL, evian, Fashion & Beauty Monitor, The Gel Bottle, Getty Images, Lärabar, Launchmetrics, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, PROPERCORN, Propress, Scavi & Ray Prosecco, S by Sloggi; Official Supporters: The Department for International Trade, The European Regional Development Fund and The Mayor
of London.
Partner stories in numbers:
  • 32,000 miles driven between shows by a luxurious fleet of fuel-efficient chauffeured Mercedes-Benz cars
  • 20,000 cups of espresso served and 200kg of Lavazza coffee consumed
  • There were 3,000 cocktails consumed in May Fair Bar between 14-18th September 2018.
  • 17,000 Larabars sampled onsite
  • 9,000 cans of new NIVEA Black & White Invisible Silky Smooth deodorant sampled
  • 7,014 products used by TONI&GUY and label.m backstage
  • 4,000 Festival Tote Bags and Pouches will be produced by Bags of EthicsTM which have been made with ethically sourced cotton, non-toxic inks in an award-winning factory in Pondicherry, South India in which 90% of the workforce are women. The bag can be reused 5,000 times.
  • 3000 copies of the ES Magazine Fashion Edition handed out at LFW
  • 1000+ The GelBottle Inc nail tips to be used to create nail designs for Shrimps, Ashish and Ashley Williams.

Thebe Magugu from South Africa Announced as the Winner of International Fashion Showcase 2019

Thebe Magugu from South Africa Announced as the Winner of  International Fashion Showcase 2019International Fashion Showcase 2019
Brave New Worlds
The Changing Landscape of Fashion
11-24 February 2019
www.internationalfashionshowcase.com
#IFS2019
Somerset House, West Wing Galleries 
Free Admission

The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the best up-and-coming fashion talent from around the world. The biennial fashion presentation is a partnership between the British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion, UAL and Somerset House.

Thebe Magugu from South Africa has been announced as the winning designer of International Fashion Showcase 2019. The judging panel called him ‘a leader of his generation’ and said that his installation ‘not only has striking visual impact but real clarity. It is a space which gives a sense of past, present and a bright future for Thebe and his country.’ For IFS 2019, Thebe Magugu presented designs featuring motifs from Africa’s story-rich past but with a forward-looking, global approach. His installation illustrates the profound changes in South Africa by putting the country’s constitution centre stage.

Duran Lantink from Netherlands was awarded a special mention for his collection. The judges said: ‘There is a sense that the collection is only the beginning of a continuous exploration with countless possibilities and impacts on others working in the fashion industry.’ Duran presented Straight from the sale bins questioning the permanent state of sale and discount in the fashion industry, casting a critical eye on the phenomena of Black Friday and the resulting sales riots. He also presented 0% Duran, Lantink’s brand which creates fashion without production and refashions garments from discount sites or outlets, giving them a new appeal.

Cedric Mizero from Rwanda was given a special mention for his curation. The judges said: ‘Cedric Mizero is without doubt a cultural changemaker for his country. His work has the ability to collapse the local and the global into a message that is universal and deeply human.’ He used objects from everyday life in a Rwandan village – including rush mats and pill cases - to draw attention to the issues of marginalised communities and cultures in his country. However, rather than focus on the negatives often associated with rural life in a developing country, Mizero also celebrates the wealth of village life.

The winners were decided by a panel of cultural and commercial fashion experts chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Chief Critic at Vogue.com.

For London Fashion Week, the showcase has a new format. For the first time, 16 selected designers from across the globe are showcasing a series of compelling installations to represent their respective country. The designers explore politics, sustainability, identity and heritage and show their latest designs in immersive environments. The free exhibition continues until 24 February.

The 16 countries represented are: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, Georgia, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, Lithuania, Netherlands, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uruguay and Vietnam. 

The free exhibition is a key part of London Fashion Week, giving both the public and industry professionals the opportunity to discover emerging fashion from five continents: Africa, North and South America, Asia and Europe and to celebrate its global relevance. The collections presented offer a balanced mix of womenswear and menswear exploring topical but universally shared issues and present new ideas and solutions that are shaping fashion globally.

In another first, these designers are supported through a bespoke online programme, developed by London College of Fashion, UAL, which will cover all aspects of business development from branding to sales and production to sustainability. They also travelled to London in August 2018 to attend a two-week talent development programme. This tailored cultural residency and business skills training will give the emerging designers the professional support that is often difficult to access, provided by some of the UK’s leading fashion and creative experts.

The designers spent one week immersed in the creative community of Somerset House Studios where they were supported by a range of studio artists whose skills and expertise range from ethical fashion and sustainability to tech. Another week was spent with experts from London College of Fashion, UAL reviewing their business and brand development goals. During both residencies, the designers explored, tested and developed a series of collaborations and creative projects that formed part of their installations, and were given important insights into all aspects of business from branding and communications to sales. 

Being part of IFS can be the springboard to international recognition. Eight designers who have previously shown at IFS have been nominated for the LVMH prize, 32 nominated for the Woolmark prize and four have won Hyères awards, these include Bodice and the-sirius. 15 have shown on schedule at LFW such as Per Götesson, Rejina Pyo and Xiao Li, five were awarded NEWGEN sponsorship and five have participated in LONDON show ROOMS in Paris.

Full citations on the three designers:

IFS Award – Thebe Magugu, South Africa 
There is a feeling that Thebe Magugu is a leader of his generation, and his work has a strong sense of the responsibility that comes with being a voice for one’s culture. His project for IFS holds his peers to values of social empowerment and cultural transformation. It shares the platform of IFS with fellow creatives honouring the spirit of friendship, respect and excellence on which IFS was founded. There is a strong coherence between Thebe’s collection and his installation which not only has striking visual impact but real clarity. It is a space which gives a sense of past, present and a bright future for Thebe and his country. Beyond this the maturity and professionalism shown throughout the IFS development programme has revealed a designer who maximises every opportunity he is given and embraces every chance to learn from others and share their own creativity.

Special Mention Collection – Duran Lantink, Netherlands 
Duran Lantink embodies the courage evoked in this year’s exhibition title ‘Brave New Worlds’. Thoroughly sustainable in his approach, Duran balances creativity, technical skill and a powerful manifesto for change. His work offers a new system of designing and a business model capable of morphing and evolving. This agility is balanced with a coherence across the garments and the visual output. There is a sense that the collection is only the beginning of a continuous exploration with countless possibilities and impacts on others working in the fashion industry. It is all delivered with wit, energy and a deep respect for designers all over the world.

Special Mention Curation – Cedric Mizero, Rwanda
Cedric Mizero is without doubt a cultural changemaker for his country. His work has the ability to collapse the local and the global into a message that is universal and deeply human. He communicates complex narratives through the medium of clothes and their practice is truly multidisciplinary – across photography, film, spatial installation, fashion and object. His space is an optimistic and joyful celebration of his culture and the people who embody it. Cedric demonstrates a generosity of spirit and largeness of heart in every aspect of his practice, taking every project as an opportunity to learn, share and create social and cultural bonds.

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at London Fashion Week February 2019

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at London Fashion Week February 2019Today, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall visited London Fashion Week to present the second Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.

This unique Award, initiated last year in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy, will be awarded annually to an emerging British fashion designer who shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or strong sustainable policies. The inaugural award was presented to Richard Quinn by The Queen at London Fashion Week in February 2018.

Bethany Williams champions social and environmental causes and challenges perceptions with a perspective that is a true representation of what positive fashion means. Over recent seasons she has partnered with charities supporting social change across women’s empowerment, homelessness, successful rehabilitation of offenders back into society, improving literacy amongst the most vulnerable in society and education programmes teaching skills and creating employment for those with the most limited opportunities and prospects. 

Her Highness had the opportunity to meet British and international businesses exhibiting at London Fashion Week before the show including NEWGEN designers Alighieri, Marta Jakubowski and The Season Hats. Following the show and Award presentation, The Duchess had the opportunity to meet young designers, British Fashion Council (BFC) Scholars, industry ambassadors, as well as a cross section of media, retailers, industry patrons, event partners and members of the British Fashion Council Board of Directors at an intimate drinks reception at 180 The Strand.

Caroline Rush CBE, CEO of the British Fashion Council introduced the presentation commenting: “It is an honour to have Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall at London Fashion Week today to present The QEII Award for British Design to Bethany Williams. Bethany’s work not only has a strong sustainable ethos, but she is committed to supporting hard to reach members of society, create opportunities for them that add long-term real value through the development of both creative and life skills. We couldn’t think of anyone better to recognise and represent so many young British designers that are building their businesses in this way.

The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design Trophy was designed in 2018 by Her Majesty's Personal Advisor, Ms Angela Kelly, who has orchestrated The Queen's wardrobe for the past 26 years.

The British Fashion Council in Shanghai

The British Fashion Council is delighted to launch a showcase of British brands during Shanghai Fashion Week March 2019 and to host a series of events with key industry partners to celebrate British design talent in market.
The project is part of the British Fashion Council’s China Partnerships Strategy, launched last September in Shanghai with Ambassadorial President David Beckham, which aims to solidify the organisation’s commitment to making access to the Chinese market easier for British designer businesses by supporting talent through networking, content and access partnerships and business support.
Roksanda and Peter Pilotto will be spearheading the trip with the launch of a standalone showroom within Chinese fashion trade show Ontimeshow from Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st March. The trip will support the brands’ business development in-market and the designers will have the opportunity to meet not only with key retailers from China and the wider Asian region but also media, stylists, key opinion leaders, creative industry influencers and high-net worth individuals.
The British Fashion Council’s aim is also to leverage presence and opportunities within the Chinese market more broadly in order to ensure the longevity of the organisation’s work for the British fashion industry within the region. The legacy from the March 2019 activation is to pave the way to involving a larger number of designers with the support of new and existing commercial partners. The British Fashion Council will also celebrate British designer businesses that are already in market with an event on Friday 29th March at The Middle House. British-based designer businesses in Shanghai hosting catwalk shows include Jamie Wei Huang, Minki, Xu Zhi and Jenny Packham who will close the official Shanghai Fashion Week calendar while ASAI, DANSHAN, Feng Chen Wang, Gayeon Lee, Linda Farrow, Marta Jakubowski, Teatum Jones and Xiao Li will all be part of showrooms or events.
Caroline Rush, CEO British Fashion Council commented: “China has always been an important part of our strategy. Last year we relaunched our China Partnerships Strategy as there is an increasing appetite from British brands to have a presence in market and vice versa. We are delighted to collaborate with Ontimeshow to bring Roksanda and Peter Pilotto, two hero brands of LFW to Shanghai. We hope this is only the beginning of a long-term partnership which will benefit British fashion brands and help them penetrate the Chinese market.”
Yeli Gu, Founder Ontimeshow said: “We are very honoured to cooperate with the British Fashion Council to provide British designers with personalised display space and quality buyer resources. This is a very important step to promote the professionalism and internationalisation of Ontimeshow.”
The British Fashion Council would like to thank the Department for International Trade for their support towards this activation.