London Fashion Week marks its 40th anniversary with a nationwide celebration, extending events beyond the capital for the first time.
- The British Fashion Council’s City Wide Celebration will feature over 1,000 activities throughout September, open to the public.
- For the first time, the programme extends to Manchester and Newcastle, showcasing the best of British culture.
- Events will kick off in renowned shopping locations such as Covent Garden, Selfridges, and Fenwick.
- Key experiences include limited edition prints, exclusive publications, and dynamic performances that merge fashion with the arts.
The British Fashion Council (BFC) celebrates the landmark 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week with a broadened reach, inviting fashion enthusiasts across the UK to partake in over 1,000 events. The programme, known as City Wide Celebration, is designed to engage the public and is now extending its influence to Manchester and Newcastle, beyond its primary venue in London.
The initiative will highlight the country’s cultural richness and affirm its status as a global fashion leader. Through a year-long series of industry-wide events and partnerships, the BFC aims to bolster retail and invigorate the fashion dialogue across the UK.
Esteemed shopping destinations such as London’s Covent Garden, Manchester’s Selfridges, and Newcastle’s Fenwick will be the hubs where celebrations commence. These events will see a variety of engaging experiences for both customers and fashion aficionados.
Specific attractions include the takeover of Covent Garden Piazza by LFW’s principal partner, offering exclusive collectables like designer prints and a special edition ‘Le Journal Bleu’, commemorating four decades of fashion innovation. Additionally, visitors can have their portraits taken by professional photographers.
Caroline Rush CBE, the BFC’s chief executive, emphasised the historical significance of inviting consumers to participate actively. She noted that this year’s expansion into Manchester and Newcastle marks a milestone in making fashion accessible across the nation.
Deputy Mayor Justine Simons OBE highlighted the symbiotic relationship between fashion and grassroots music. The initiative, London Creates Music X London Fashion Week, aims to illuminate vibrant underground music scenes while celebrating London’s pioneering role in fashion.
London Fashion Week’s City Wide Celebration exemplifies a milestone in fashion’s accessibility and cultural integration across the UK.
