London Fashion Week News

Rock Vault

Sat, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces the brand new jewellery initiative BFC Rock Vault to support, showcase and promote Britain’s most innovative, fine jewellery talent. Sponsored by the International Palladium Board (IPB) and curated by Stephen Webster, ‘BFC Rock Vault’ will launch during London Fashion Week, February 17th – 21st, at Somerset House.

The ten successful jewellers who have been selected to showcase their AW12 collections within the Rock Vault are Alexandra Jefford, Fernando Jorge, Hannah Martin, Hillier, Husam El Odeh, Jo Hayes Ward, Jordan Askill, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Sophie Bille Brahe and Tomasz Donocik. The designers will feature alongside five concepts created in Palladium by Central Saint Martins students.

Housed in a structure located on the Terrace of Somerset House, overlooking the Thames, the designers will be awarded support towards creating their own unique installation within this dedicated area and will receive business mentoring support. An event to launch this initiative will be held on Saturday, 18th February at the designated BFC Rock Vault space at Somerset House.

This unique showcasing initiative has been developed by the BFC to nurture the creative fine jewellery talent based in London and give these designers the opportunity to further develop their businesses and exposure amongst both UK and International media and retailers.

The participants are invited by a panel led by Stephen Webster comprising Anna Orsini, British Fashion Council; Brad Mills, Chairman of the International Palladium Board; Caroline Broadhead, Central Saint Martins’ Programme Director; Catherine Nieto, Grazia Fashion and Accessories Editor; Francoise Tessier, Browns Fine Jewellery Buyer; Jos Skeates, EC One; Katie Bain, British Fashion Council; Lara Bohinc, Designer and Cartier Consultant; Liane Wiggins, Matches Head Buyer; Maria Lemos, Rainbowwave; Olivia Richardson, Liberty Head of Buying; Sarah Mower, MBE BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and contributing editor for US Vogue.com; Valery Demure, marketing and sales, jewellery and accessories agent.

Stephen Webster, comments, “As a London jewellery designer and a craftsman, it gives me great pleasure to be curating Rock Vault, an area dedicated for the first time to the rising stars of the UK jewellery industry under the umbrella of the BFC. Together with a panel of experts, we have selected what we believe to be the best representation of young talent. Over the last 10 years, jewellery has become an integral part of both men and woman's wardrobe. This meteoric rise has meant jewellery designers have been crying out for inclusion within the established fashion platforms. Rock Vault finally offers such an opportunity. We are all very excited to realise this vision.”

Brad Mills, Chairman of the International Palladium Board, comments, “We are proud to support London Fashion Week. This partnership opens a series of projects entitled Palladium Visions, which we will undertake in 2012 with some of the world’s most visionary designers, artists and jewellers to promote Palladium as the must-have, contemporary precious metal of the future.”

The International Palladium Board (IPB) is dedicated to establishing Palladium as the contemporary precious metal of the future. Palladium is a beautiful lustrous white metal, desired by jewellery designers and owners for its unique features – rarity, lightness and strength. In 2009 Palladium became the most recent precious metal to be hallmarked.

For more information please visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com/rockvault

Image: Jordan Askill

For press enquiries regarding BFC Rock Vault please contact
Kimberly Carroll, PR Executive, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1987
kimberly.carroll@britishfashioncouncil.com

For press enquiries regarding Palladium Visions please contact
Hugh Gallagher, Exposure Promotions, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7907 7145
hugh.gallagher@exposure.net

For designers wishing to apply for BFC Rock Vault please contact
Katie Bain, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1978
katie.bain@britishfashioncouncil.com

International Fashion Showcase

Wed, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The British Council and the British Fashion Council (BFC) today announce the inaugural International Fashion Showcase to take place during London Fashion Week, February 2012. 19 embassies and cultural institutes across London will open their doors and display the work of over 80 international emerging designers. The public, together with international press and buyers, will have the opportunity to explore the collections of some of the most innovative, emerging fashion designers from around the world.

The first project the British Council and the British Fashion Council have collaborated on, this new showcase is part of the Fashion 2012 Cultural Programme and has been developed to celebrate the year of the Olympics and Paralympics and honour its values of international respect, excellence, equality and friendship. Countries participating in this showcase include Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Caribbean, China, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Sierra Leone, United States and Uzbekistan.

Each country has been asked to present a selection of emerging designers whom they feel most represents the future of fashion in their region. Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Contributing Editor to US Vogue, will chair an advisory panel that will judge each piece of work, with an award given to the country that presents the best emerging fashion talent showcase. This will be announced on Sunday 19th February, during London Fashion Week.

A map, guide and passport will encourage the public and London Fashion Week audience of UK and international press and buyers to follow the trail of the International Fashion Showcase around the various venues in central London.

Highlights will include:

American design school Parsons will present 10 of its first US graduate students in fashion design at Benjamin Franklin House. Four of the participating designers were finalists of the Alexander McQueen Metropolitan Museum Exhibition competition.
The Flanders Fashion Institute will present a selection of emerging fashion talent from Belgium including: A.Knackfuss, Cedric Jacquemyn, OMSK and WOLF by Sofie Claes at the Exhibition at London Fashion Week. Part of this exhibition will be a special installation created by Ra, the Antwerp based concept store.
The Chinese exhibition unites a diverse community of designers from Mao Jihong, the designer and entrepreneur behind EXCEPTION, to Xander Zhou, listed by Forbes in their Top 25 of most influential people in the fashion industry in China.
Three young designers from Estonia will present an exhibition of work including Kaspar Paas, winner of the Estonian Young Designer Award, who currently designs for John Lobb and who will be launching his own brand of footwear during this event.
Vogue Talents was developed out of the scouting activity undertaken by Vogue Italy and it will present eight talented designers at the Italian Cultural Institute in London embracing Ready-to-wear, menswear, accessories and jewellery.
The Embassy of Japan’s exhibition brings together young milliner Kaji Masahito and emerging designer Kawanishi Ryohei, a recent Central Saint Martins BA graduate, who both create bold works showing great sensitivity, which will be on display in a showroom off the main courtyard at Somerset House.
The Korean Cultural Centre will explore the new generation designers from South Korea, showcasing 8 british educated designers who in a short space of time have developed high profile collaborations with artists such as Lady Gaga as well as international media attention.
A selection of the best emerging African talent from Botswana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone will be on display at the British Council offices, curated by the V&A's Carol Tulloch.

For participating countries, this programme allows their emerging talent to be seen by key UK and international industry professionals during London Fashion Week. It also means that the wider public can explore the fashion scene in these international cities.

On Sunday 19th February, a jury comprising of top fashion journalists and curators will award the best project with a sculpture designed by former BFC NEWGEN recipient Jordan Askill at the BFC Show Space at Somerset House.

For more information about the British Council contact:
Alex Bratt, Senior Press Officer
+44 (0) 207 389 4872
alex.bratt@britishcouncil.org

For more information about the British Fashion Council contact:
Gemma Ebelis, BFC Press Manager
+44 (0) 207 759 1989
gemma@britishfashioncouncil.com

Image: a.Knackfuss, Belgium

BREAKING NEWS: Designer Fashion Fund Winner

Thu, 01 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced the winner of this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is presented to Jonathan Saunders. The Award, which is now in its third year, was established to further enhance the reputation of London’s rising stars and assist in the development of their businesses. It comprises of £200,000 and access to director level mentors across the industry.

The BFC will develop a bespoke mentoring programme tailored specifically to assist in achieving Jonathan’s business goals for the next twelve months with the aspiration that the network developed during this year will endure throughout his career as he makes the transition from a developing creative business into a global fashion brand.

The panel’s decision was based on the strength of Jonathan’s catwalk and pre-collections over the past few seasons and the acclaim that he has received from UK and international media and buyers. He demonstrated a clear and concise view on the areas in which he hopes to develop his business over the next twelve months and beyond.

Nine designers were shortlisted by a panel of representatives of Fund sponsors. All of those shortlisted were then invited to present their collections and future plans to the judging panel of Fund sponsor representatives and industry experts chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue. All of those shortlisted will have access to support from the mentoring panel either directly or through Marigay McKee, Chief Merchant, Harrods who will chair the mentoring panel.

Scottish born Jonathan Saunders graduated from the Glasgow School of Art in 1999 with a BA and then graduated with an MA distinction from Central St Martin’s in 2002, studying Printed Textiles in both courses. Jonathan then went on to win the Fashion Enterprise award given to him by the BFC in September 2006 followed by the Elle Style Award Designer of the Year in 2007. Jonathan has also designed for Pollini between 2008 and March 2010 and recent collaborations for his own label have included Topshop and US brand Target and his own name label in stocked in stores around the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Hudson Bay, Liberty’s, Luisa Via Roma, Net-a-Porter and Printemps.

The British Fashion Council has an international reputation for supporting emerging talent through its existing schemes; NEWGEN supported by TOPSHOP, NEWGEN MEN sponsored by Topman and Fashion Forward. The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund aids business growth and create employment opportunities, it is complementary to existing support schemes and focuses on developing profile and opportunities for British designer businesses.

The Fund was launched by BFC Chairman Harold Tillman in September 2008. Vogue, headline sponsor, whose March issue is on sale 6th February, will showcase the talents of all nine finalists.

Jonathan Saunders, said “I’m so happy about winning the fund. The last 12 months have been an exciting time for me and my team and I’m very proud of all their hard work. We have many exciting plans for the near future and this along with the support network provided by the BFC will enable us to achieve our goals.”

Caroline Rush, CEO of BFC, commented “The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is aimed to assist our very exceptional British designers who during the application process show that they have the potential and business acumen to take the development of their brand to the next step and make the transition to progress their business into a commercial global fashion brand. The panel felt that this really is Jonathan’s moment and he truly deserves to be the recipient of the fund prize.”

Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, said “I am delighted that Jonathan has won this year's award. His recent collections have shown that he is a designer who can provide beautiful clothes that women enjoy wearing and he is in a great position to build on his current success.”

The BFC would like to thank the fund sponsors Burberry, Clothing at Tesco, Debenhams, Harrods, HSBC, Jaeger & Aquascutum, LF Europe, Marks & Spencer, Paul Smith, TONI&GUY, TOPSHOP, VOGUE and Westfield Shopping Towns.

Find out more about the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

For press enquiries regarding the British Fashion Council and the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, PR Manager, British Fashion Council,
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

For press enquiries regarding Jonathan Saunders please contact:
George MacPherson, PR Director, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7318 0400
george@starworkslondon.com

Image: Jonathan Saunders spring/summer 2012

London Collections

Mon, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces plans for a brand new Menswear showcase LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN that will launch in June 2012.

Running from 15th – 17th June, London will kick start the Menswear calendar with a showcase of British brands and businesses embedded in a cultural programme. London Collections: Men is a development of the Men’s day at London Fashion Week which has grown in stature and content despite sitting outside of the traditional menswear calendar. This new showcase will emphasise both the creative and commercial importance of Britain’s brands and emerging talent as well as the rich cultural landscape that contributes to the inspiration and success of this sector.

The majority of brands and designers who participate in the Men’s day at London Fashion Week will be contributing to the showcase. London’s emerging talent showcases MAN, NEWGEN MEN sponsored by Topman and Fashion Forward will support the UK’s most innovative new talents to show during this period. Iconic British designers such as Margaret Howell, heritage brands such as Aquascutum and Savile Row tailors such as Richard James and E. Tautz will join London Collections: Men to show the breadth of British menswear.

Dylan Jones, chair of the Fashion 2012 Menswear Committee will be at helm of these plans, drawing together a committee of influential figures within the Menswear industry initially including Christopher Bailey; David Furnish; David Walker-Smith, Selfridges; David Walliams; Elizabeth Saltzman; Gordon Richardson, TOPMAN; Jo Levin, GQ; Jeremy Langmead, MR PORTER; Marigay McKee, Harrods; Simon Fuller; Tim Blanks, Style.com; Tinie Tempah; Tom Ford and The Mayor's Office. The Committee will ensure that London Collections: Men becomes a unique opportunity to see and buy British menswear whilst experiencing the UK’s dynamic creative industries through a cross cultural curated programme.

Harold Tillman, CBE Chairman of British Fashion Council said “The menswear industry has been growing from strength to strength in past years and this is true testament to this, London Collections: Men will not only be a showcase for brands and designers but will form a cross cultural programme creating a festival for Menswear in what will be a truly exciting year for the UK. I would like to thank Dylan Jones as Chair of the newly formed Fashion 2012 Menswear committee and all of the members, designers and brands involved in making this work.”

Dylan Jones, Editor GQ and Chair of Fashion 2012 Menswear Committee said "This is a fabulous initiative, and one that will undoubtedly draw even more attention towards London this year. Whether you're involved in sport, fashion, media, retail, entertainment or tech, or indeed any industry, London is the place to be in 2012."

Gordon Richardson, Design Director, TOPMAN said “No longer shoe horned into one condensed hectic day, the newly established London Menswear Collections, over 3 glorious days now has the space to breathe, flourish and generate the buzz that will put its talented rising men's fashion stars firmly on the international fashion map.”

Jeremy Langmead, Editor in Chief, MR PORTER said “MR PORTER is looking forward to working with the BFC on this exciting new project that aims to give Britain's talented menswear designers and tailors the showcase they deserve. The menswear industry is experiencing huge growth right now and this makes both supporting home-grown talent, and feeding the worldwide appetite for innovative and expertly-made stylish men's clothes, essential. We look forward to creating a number of engaging ways that MR PORTER can help spread the word across all its content platforms during the London Collections."

Richard James, Savile Row Tailor said “We are very excited to be involved with the new plans for British menswear, and to be working with Dylan. This is a first for our company to present in this way.”

James Long, Fashion Forward Recipient said “I am really excited for the menswear plans and am looking forward to being part of a great year for British menswear. Thank you to all involved and all the work that has been put in to make this happen.”

The British Fashion Council would like to thank MR PORTER for partnering and supporting the London Collections: Men and the BFC would also like to give thanks to the team from TOPMAN for all of their continued and ongoing support for the NEWGEN MEN initiative and British Menswear.

London Collections: Men will form part of the Fashion 2012 Calendar, a central platform under which the industry is able to showcase and celebrate British fashion. It will provide a core focus for the industry and a schedule for the major fashion events and activities throughout London’s Olympic year. For further on information on Fashion 2012, please visit www.fashion2012.co.uk.

For press enquiries please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

For Menswear brands wishing to be involved in plans for Fashion 2012 please contact:
Katie Bain, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1978
katie.bain@britishfashioncouncil.com

Image: E.Tautz pre-autumn/winter 2012 collection

Harold Tillman

Sat, 20 Jan 2012 15:21:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced that its honorary Chairman, Harold Tillman CBE, will extend his term through 2012.

Harold was appointed Chairman on 24th January 2008 taking over from Sir Stuart Rose. Under his guidance the BFC has become an effective promotional body for the industry through clarity of objectives and vision. He has established the first full time management team for the organisation through the appointment of Caroline Rush to CEO and Simon Ward as COO. He played a lead role in moving London Fashion Week to Somerset House, personally negotiating with brands such as Burberry to return to London.

The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund was established as a registered charity with Harold securing financial support from key retailers and partners. He has maintained close relationships with the Mayor of London each year successfully bidding for support for British talent and London Fashion Week.

In 2010 Harold delivered the Value of Fashion report, defining the British fashion industry for the first time and assessing its true value to UK PLC. In 2011 he established the China Britain Fashion Alliance and has supported the development of the London show Rooms programme bringing in global partners to promote British talent overseas.

There remain many opportunities ahead and Harold will continue to drive these forward and for the future as well as secure a successor who will continue to grow the profile of the sector globally and the businesses within it.

Support for this term extension was secured from key stakeholders including representatives from media, government, BFC patrons and sponsors.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council said “The BFC is immensely grateful to Harold for the incredible hard work he has put into the role. He has been an inspirational and visionary leader and under him the BFC and London Fashion Week have significantly expanded and grown in global stature. On behalf of the BFC board, patrons and sponsors I thank Harold for his ongoing support”.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said “Harold's retail flair and business acumen are the perfect foil for the astonishing creativity of our fashion designers. As well as maintaining London Fashion Week's position as one of the most influential international showcases for design, he has been pivotal in the BFC's efforts to nurture up and coming designers. With fashion playing a key role in our celebrations for 2012, Harold will help ensure London's status as a big hitter in the global fashion stakes.”

Chairman of the British Fashion Council is an honorary role with an initial three year commitment, whilst several chairman have served for four years, this extended term will make Harold the organisation’s longest serving Chairman to date.

For press enquiries please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

Image: Harold Tillman CBE, Sarah Mower MBE and Chris Moore (Catwalking).

Fashion Forward 2012

Fri, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces that three womenswear designers Henry Holland, Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou and one menswear designer James Long, will receive Fashion Forward sponsorship for two consecutive seasons to show in London. James is the first menswear to receive support through this scheme.

Fashion Forward was established 6 years ago to provide funding to talented emerging British designer businesses to show and develop their businesses in London. To be eligible designers will either have progressed through NEWGEN or be at a similar stage in their business. London Fashion Week is the most creative and dynamic event on the international fashion calendar promoting established and emerging British design talent to a global audience. Fashion Forward is a key BFC initiative to promote emerging design talent. The award provides the winner with a cash prize to assist in showing their collection as well as access to business support provided by the BFC.

Fashion Forward applicants are judged by a panel of key industry representatives including Averyl Oates, Retail Expert; Caroline Rush, CEO, BFC; David Watts, Business Support Manager, BFC; Francesca Burns, Fashion Editor, Vogue; Ruth Chapman, Co-Founder, Matches and Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador of Emerging Talent, Contributing Editor to US Vogue and American Vogue.com.

Previous Fashion Forward winners include Christopher Kane, Erdem, Giles Deacon, Jonathan Saunders, Louise Goldin, Marios Schwab, Meadham Kirchoff, Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll, Roksanda Illincic, Sinha-Stanic and Todd Lynn.

Caroline Rush, CEO, British Fashion Council, commented “The recipients for this year’s Fashion Forward sponsorship are an exceptionally talented group of designers. 2012 is set to be a momentous year not only for fashion industry but the UK and I am looking forward to seeing Henry, Louise, James and Mary, taking strides forward in their business development. Menswear in London will be put in the spotlight this year making now the perfect time to introduce a menswear prize to Fashion Forward.”

Winners Comments

Henry Holland, “I’m delighted to be receiving Fashion Forward sponsorship. It is a huge accolade for the brand and I am excited about what the future holds.”

James Long, “I'm very excited to receive the first Menswear Fashion Forward Award, its great to take the brand to the next level and be part of the on going support from the British Fashion Council - Thank you.”

Louise Gray, “I am thrilled to have been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship for 2012 as this backing will allow me to develop my brand even further. I have so many exciting projects coming up this year and this is a great way to start things off!”

Mary Katrantzou, "I'm so excited to receive the Fashion Forward sponsorship for 2012! It's really important to have that support and it's testament to the strength of London Fashion Week and the BFC's initiative to nurture talent and help designers build an established business."

For press enquiries regarding this seasons Fashion Forward winners please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma@britishfashioncouncil.com

Image: Mary Katrantzou SS12 at London Fashion Week, September 2011

Dates for September 2012

Wed, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New York Fashion Week: 6th - 13th September
London Fashion Week: 14th - 18th September

The CFDA and BFC confirm the above dates for fashion weeks in September 2012. Both organisations remain committed to finding a long term solution that would see a confirmed Fashion Season where brands and designer businesses in all four fashion capitals (New York, London, Milan and Paris) can plan for the long term and when exceptional circumstances arise there is dialogue and empathy to find a solution that works for all.

The CFDA and BFC thank all organisations and individuals that have pledged their commitment to support both fashion weeks and their respective brands and talented emerging designer businesses.

The BFC would also like to thank Somerset House and the Brazilian Olympic Committee for their understanding and flexibility to enable London Fashion Week to take place at this time.

For press enquiries please contact:

BFC
Gemma Ebelis, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

CFDA
Karen Peterson, CFDA, Tel: +1.917.553.7638
k.peterson@cfda.com

Image: Christopher Kane SS12 at London Fashion Week September 2011

Dylan Jones

Sat, 13 Jan 2012 11:25:00 GMT

As part of their plans for Fashion 2012 the British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce that Dylan Jones has been appointed as Chair of the Fashion 2012 Menswear committee.

Dylan's first role in this newly created position will be to form the committee comprising influential figures within the Menswear industry to work on a calendar of events for Fashion 2012. These events will celebrate and showcase the breadth of British Menswear from traditional heritage brands, to avant-garde and emerging talent as well as London as a leading fashion capital. While some events will be created by the BFC, the hope is that individual brands and organisations will develop their own events here in London.

Dylan will be co- hosting an event in Paris, during Men’s Fashion Week, on Sunday 22nd January to announce the first of many exciting new plans for British menswear in London during 2012. He will host the event alongside Chairman of the BFC, Harold Tillman CBE.

The BFC has developed this role to formalise the working party and advisory committee to assist in curating, launching and delivering its ambitious plans for the year. Men’s Day at London Fashion Week has grown with the support of designers, media, retailers, stylists and Topman. This year the BFC aims to grow the profile of British menswear and through this assist the growth in British businesses.

Fashion 2012 is a central platform under which the industry is able to showcase and celebrate British fashion. It will provide a core focus for the industry and a schedule for the major fashion events and activities throughout London’s Olympic year.

Dylan Jones is the Editor of British GQ.

For further on information on Fashion 2012, please visit www.fashion2012.co.uk

New Brands Added to Schedule

Wed, 10 Jan 2012 12:20:00 GMT

Two more brands are to show on the London Fashion Week Show Schedule for the first time this February. Belstaff has announced it will present its first men's and women's AW12 collections on Sunday February 19th, 3.30pm-5.30pm. This will be the first collection to be shown since the relaunch of the brand.

Moschino Cheap And Chic will also make its London Fashion Week debut; the AW12 collection will be shown on Saturday 18th February between 1.30pm-3.30pm.

The Creative Director of Moschino, Rossella Jardini has released the below statement:

"To debut in London with Moschino Cheap And Chic is something I have been thinking about for a while. To have presence in a new city gives the younger line a stronger, more autonomous personality.
London is renowned for its contemporary style and famous sense of humor making it the perfect place to exhibit Moschino Cheap And Chic’s DNA and energy.
I’m sure London will be the appropriate platform for this line to grow whilst still remembering its roots."

The Moschino main line collection will show during Milan fashion week.

See the latest show schedule

Image: Moschino Cheap And Chic

MAN AW12

Wed, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Championing the best and brightest new menswear talent, the joint initiative between Topman and Fashion East returns to the runway for the 14th consecutive season. MAN’s AW12 line up sees Shaun Samson return for a second time after a phenomenal debut last season, joined by designers who shone at Fashion East’s Menswear Installations; Agi&Sam and Astrid Andersen. Designers are selected by a panel of industry experts including Nicola Formichetti, Charlie Porter and Alister Mackie.

MAN enjoys an unrivalled reputation for identifying and supporting the most exciting new menswear names in the industry. Alumni James Long, Christopher Shannon and JW Anderson continue to trail blaze at Menswear Day with solo catwalk shows. Martine Rose and Matthew Miller who showed with MAN last season have since been awarded NEWGEN MEN presentations for AW12.

Ben Reardon, Editor GQ Style and MAN panel member says "This season MAN has both a local and global vision of fashion, from London to Jamaica, LA to Africa (by way of Dalston Superstore and Vogue Fabrics) with brilliant new designers Agi and Sam, Astrid Andersen and Shaun Samson. This is an exciting triptych of talent to continue London's exciting year ahead. I literally cannot wait to see what they will do.”

Lulu Kennedy, Director of Fashion East and MAN enthuses; “I love everything about these three designers; their diverse range of reference points (jocks, nerds, cartoons, dandies) their model casting and styling, their appetite for hard work, and above all the sheer brilliance of the finished garments which are entirely wearable.”

SHAUN SAMSON
Samson caused a sensation when his Mexican-inspired collection debuted with MAN last season. His SS12 collection was snapped up by a host of stockists including Selfridges, Joyce, Opening Ceremony NY and LA, Trading Museum/ Comme des Garcons Japan.
He designs ‘Men’s Modern Street Wear.’, inspired by growing up in San Diego with its mix of relaxed surf and street styles. He believes the modern man’s wardrobe should be wearable, effortless and special.
Samson studied Fashion Design in Los Angeles and Manufacturing and Product Development at FIDM. He built on these two degrees with a BA and MA in Fashion Menswear from Central St. Martins. He juggled his studies whilst working simultaneously for Jeremy Scott and won the prestigious ITS # 10 prize for his graduate collection.

AGI & SAM
Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton met whilst working at Alexander McQueen and founded their label in January 2010. Agi studied BA Fashion Design and Sam studied BA Illustration. They have worked for designers including Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Armand Basi, Blaak Homme, J.W. Anderson and Carolyn Massey.
They have graduated to MAN having shown with Fashion East Menswear Installations for the past two seasons; their SS12 collection was entitled “Tequila, Tabasco and Tomato Juice” – their own take on the tequila slammer. With a strong emphasis on bespoke print, they enjoy injecting humour into their collections, believing that fashion should never be taken too seriously. They strive to create unique yet accessible pieces with a strong commercial edge. Stockists include Sefton, ANMA:Life, Night Vision and The Unconventional.

ASTRID ANDERSEN
Astrid Andersen graduated from The Royal College of Art in 2010 and went on to win the Brioni Creativity and Innovation Award and the River Island MA Student Bursary Award. She aims to break down traditional sportswear stereotypes and give it a new resonance within luxury fashion. Her graduate collection, styled by Simon Foxton, was rapturously received and she has been featured in everything from i-D and Dazed & Confused to The Financial Times and VOGUE UK. The fact she casts the hottest boys in town can’t hurt either.
She has shown with Fashion East menswear Installations for the past two seasons and the panel unanimously agreed it was time for her to graduate to MAN’s catwalk. With international support from across the industry and increasing interest from outside supporters and collaborators, she remains one-to-watch for innovative and contemporary menswear.

For further information please contact:
George MacPherson, Account Director, Starworks London george@starworkslondon.com +44 (0) 20 7318 0400

Kelly Reed, PR Manager, TOPMAN kelly.reed@topman.com +44 (0) 20 7291 2721

For London Fashion Week Ticket Requests only: MAN@starworkslondon.com

Fashion East AW12

Thu, 21 Dec 2011 15:56:00 GMT

Since its inception in 2000, Fashion East has been credited with kick-starting the careers of some of the UK’s most prolific design talent including Jonathan Saunders, Meadham Kirchhoff, Marios Schwab, Michael van der Ham, Louise Gray, Roksanda Ilincic, Richard Nicoll and House of Holland.

The AW12 line-up is a first in Fashion East’s history – it is supporting exactly the same line-up of designers that showed last season; James Long, Marques Almeida and Maarten van der Horst. The decision was made following the unanimous backing of the Fashion East panel whose members include Sarah Mower, Grazia’s Kay Barron, Vogue’s Francesca Burns and Brix Smith-Start of Start Boutique.

As Sarah Mower, British Fashion Council’s Ambassador for Emerging Talent and US Vogue Contributor, explains; "Fashion East's 2012 cohort of designers excelled so remarkably that all their Spring collections have already been picked up by stores - so having them back to show together again for Fall 2012 will give buyers and journalists a second chance to spectate as these contenders take off in Olympic year."

Mary Homer, MD of Topshop, says "I'm delighted to see these three designers return for another season at Fashion East, testimony to their exceptional talent and creativity. Topshop has been a long supporter of British fashion, and our ongoing relationship with Fashion East is something we are very proud of. Lulu Kennedy and her team always identify the best of London's design talent, and I wish this season's recipients continued success into 2012."

JAMES LONG
James Long has fast become one of the most sought-after design talents in London for both menswear and womenswear. With a huge fan base ranging from Alister Mackie to Luke Day and Lucas Ossendriver praising Long as his favourite young designer, Long has certainly made his mark as a designer to watch. He debuted his first womenswear collection for Autumn/Winter 2011 with Fashion East, and was invited back for a second season in September. It is his instantly recognizable use of knit, leather and print that is key to the James Long aesthetic.
James Long has become one of the hottest tickets at London Fashion Week. His SS12 collection was rapturously received having been shot for publications including Stella Magazine, Vogue Turkey, and the US and British editions of Elle and Glamour. James Long Womenswear is sold in prestigious stores around the world including LN-CC in London, RA in Antwerp and Opening Ceremony in New York and LA.

MAARTEN VAN DER HORST
Maarten van der Horst was born in the Netherlands to an Indonesian mother and a Dutch father. He began his design education at the Artez institute of the Art during which he interned with Chloé in Paris. His completed his BA with a hand-painted, bright and joyous graduate collection that reflected his preference for highly personal statements using D-I-Y techniques. On the MA Womenswear course at Central Saint Martins, van der Horst developed his distinctive aesthetic further, marrying intricately embroidered, second-hand Nylon petticoats with Hawaiian shirts, Capri trousers and Bermuda shorts, creating a John Waters-inspired wardrobe.
His designs are technically advanced yet highly wearable, exuding a light hearted, joyful elegance without neglecting craftsmanship. His SS12 debut at Fashion East built on his MA collection, focussing on tailoring and feminine detailing whilst remaining true to his signature flattering boxy silhouette. The collection was snapped up by stockists including Opening Ceremony in New York and LA, Edition in Japan and Selfridges in the UK and has been featured in Vogue, i-D and Elle.

MARQUES'ALMEIDA
Both trained in womenswear, Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida subscribe to the Helmut Lang school of thought, where ‘fashion is about attitude, not hemlines’. While their aesthetic evokes raw effortlessness, the pair’s technical sensibilities are revealed in the construction of each piece. Cutting their teeth at Vivienne Westwood and Preen respectively, Marques and Almeida took the natural course of combining talents while on the MA at Central Saint Martins – hitting the mark between impulse and consideration. They create for a market that desires sartorial instincts with an authentic edge.
Having shown their Spring Summer 2012 with Fashion East at London Fashion Week their list of stockists now includes Opening Ceremony NY and LA, Desperado in Tokyo and Joyce in Hong Kong. They have been recently mentioned in Elle UK as the "new go to label for distressed denim" and their work has been featured in magazines like TANK, Russh, Elle UK and i-D.

Press Enquiries:
Beth Serota
beth@fashioneast.co.uk
+44 (0) 20 7770 6151

Image: James Long SS12 at Fashion East show, London Fashion Week, September 2011

Shortlist 2012

Fri, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced the shortlist for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2012. The shortlisted designers showcase the best developing Womenswear and Accessories labels in British fashion today, with potential to develop into global fashion brands. This year’s shortlisted designers are Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nicholas Kirkwood, Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll, Roksanda Ilincic and Zoe Jordan.

The nine designers have been invited to present their collections and future plans to the judging panel of Fund sponsor representatives and industry opinion-formers, chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue.

The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, now in its third year, will provide one British based designer with a bespoke, high-level mentoring support programme over a twelve-month period, as well as £200,000. All eight runners-up will also be allocated a mentor through the Fund. The entire judging process and winner announcement will be documented in British Vogue’s March 2012 issue.

In order to be eligible for the scheme, designers must have an established business, be based in the UK, as well as having UK and international stockists and support from key media both UK and internationally. The winner will demonstrate a clear vision for their business and how the Fund will contribute to their continuing growth and infrastructure, with a focus on creating a strong international presence.

The Fund was launched by BFC Chairman Harold Tillman CBE, in September 2008 as part of the legacy programme for the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The aim of the Fund is to support talented British designers with the potential for commercial growth to start making the transition from a developing creative business to an international fashion brand.

The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is proudly supported by: Burberry, Clothing at Tesco, Debenhams, Harrods, HSBC, Jaeger & Aquascutum, LF Europe, Marks & Spencer, Paul Smith, TONI&GUY, TOPSHOP, VOGUE and Westfield Shopping Towns.

Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman of the BFC, commented “The calibre of this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist reflects the exceptional talent that exists within the British Fashion industry today. Each designer has enhanced the capital’s profile as a centre of fashion innovation, and we are proud to be able to offer the winning designer the financial support and mentoring needed to help their brand grow internationally. Special thanks must be given to all of the funders involved with the scheme.”

Alexandra Shulman, Editor, British Vogue, said “It’s very exciting to see such a talented group making up the shortlist and the winner will certainly be very deserving of the prize. In this third year of the award we also hope to build on the support we can give them all at this stage of their careers.”

Find out more about the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

For press enquiries regarding the British Fashion Council and the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, PR Manager, British Fashion Council,
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

Image: Christopher Kane spring/summer 2012, winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2011

2011 British Fashion Award winners

Tue, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council is proud to announce Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen as the winner of The British Fashion Awards esteemed ‘Designer of the Year’ award 2011. Burton’s creative direction at Alexander McQueen has allowed McQueen’s legacy to live on while still giving her own twist of creative genius to a collection that has outshone its rivals on and off the catwalk.

Hosted by George Lamb and Lauren Laverne the awards ceremony celebrated and recognised excellence achieved in the industry this year. The event was attended by industry leaders, designers, retailers, models, celebrities and media supporting both the nominees and winners of these prestigious awards. Attendees included BFC Ambassador Samantha Cameron, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Kate Hudson, Colin Firth, Olivia Palermo, Josephine de la Baume, Marc Jacobs, Lady Amanda Harlech and Alexa Chung.

The ‘New Establishment Award’ was introduced this year to recognise a particular movement in British fashion that is taking the industry by storm. The inaugural winner is Christopher Kane whose visionary designs for his own label continue to lead trends globally, become must haves for any fashion credible shoot and essentials for all fashion collectors.

The ‘Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator’ was won by Sam Gainsbury of Gainsbury and Whiting. Gainsbury is a force to be reckoned with in the creative world; known in the fashion industry for translating designers’ visions into unparalleled fashion experiences. This year she turned her talents to the ‘Savage Beauty’ exhibition which broke all records and has been widely recognised as the most successful fashion exhibition in the world.

The ‘Red Carpet’ award went to many celebrities favourite this year, Stella McCartney, recognising the quantity and quality of her designs worn on the red carpet, creating global awareness in the media.

Victoria Beckham was the recipient of the ‘Designer Brand’ award. Her business has focused growth strategy with each new product range receiving media praise and achieving high levels of sell through. She is her own customer and this insight has created a label with many loyal followers across the globe.

London is known for innovation in the fashion world and this year’s ‘Emerging Talent’ awards only highlight further the extraordinary fashion talents in this city: Mary Katrantzou was awarded the ‘Emerging Talent – Womenswear’ award for her bold graphic print collections that were seen on everyone from Hailee Steinfeld to Alexa Chung. Tabitha Simmons earned recognition for her footwear brand by winning the ‘Emerging Talent Award- Accessories’ and Christopher Raeburn received the award for ‘Emerging Talent Award –Menswear’, a brand new category for 2011, recognising Christopher’s pioneering ethical designs.

Kim Jones was awarded ‘Menswear Designer’, for being instrumental in enhancing men's fashion in the past year. He was appointed Style Director at Louis Vuitton earlier this year.

Stella Tennant collected the ‘Model’ award, her timeless beauty has seen her feature in numerous shows, covers, editorials and major campaigns which this year included Zara, Reed Krakoff, Etro, Chanel and Celine.

The hotly contested ‘Accessory Designer of the Year’ recipient was Charlotte Dellal for her footwear label Charlotte Olympia which is inspired by the glamour of the 40s and 50s.

The British Fashion Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Fashion’, which recognises one designer who throughout their career has made an impact on the industry internationally, went to the inspirational Paul Smith who is a true icon in the industry for all that he consistently brings to the world of fashion.

Decided entirely by public vote, the ‘British Style’ award, brought to you by Vodafone, recognises an individual who embodies the spirit of the city and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital. Alexa Chung won this award for the 2nd year running. This award received more votes than ever before showing the increasing engagement from consumer audiences in fashion. Vodafone sponsored this award after being unveiled as the new Principal Sponsor of London Fashion Week for the next seven seasons.

Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, commented, “This year’s nominees demonstrate the breadth and creativity London has to offer. The fashion brands and designers that are based here set the trends across the globe. In addition, we are thrilled to be working alongside Save the Children on their Born to Walk Tall campaign, championed by our BFC Ambassador Samantha Cameron, this year.”

This year’s British Fashion Awards sponsors are MAC, Toni&Guy and Vodafone.

For more information please visit www.britishfashionawards.com

Image: Designer of the Year - Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

For press enquiries, please contact:
Ellie Wilson
ellie.wilson@britishfashioncouncil.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1986.

NEWGEN AW12 winners

Fri, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced the names of 15 of London’s brightest emerging fashion design talents who have been selected to receive BFC NEWGEN sponsorship, supported by Topshop, to show at London Fashion Week in February 2012. NEWGEN, established in 1993, is one of the world’s most internationally recognised fashion design talent identification schemes. This season will see the 10th anniversary celebrations of Topshop's continuous backing of the scheme at London Fashion Week. Major celebrations of the ten years which have taken a myriad of London NEWGEN designers to the top are planned for February.

NEWGEN recipients for autumn/winter 2012 sponsored by Topshop are:

Catwalk sponsorship: David Koma, Holly Fulton, J.JS Lee, J.W. Anderson, Michael van der Ham and Simone Rocha

Presentation sponsorship: Christopher Raeburn and Thomas Tait

Installation sponsorship: Nasir Mazhar and SISTER by SIBLING

Exhibition sponsorship: Huishan Zhang, James Long, Lucas Nascimento, Palmer//Harding, and Tim Soar
All of the designers listed above under catwalk, presentation and installation sponsorship will feature in the NEWGEN space of The Exhibition at London Fashion Week.

NEWGEN is an internationally recognised showcase for the best emerging British fashion talent and is central to the British Fashion Council’s talent identification, designer development and showcasing programme. Since its inception, its alumni include Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Boudicca, Giles Deacon, Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Richard Nicoll, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou and Meadham Kirchhoff. The scheme has become a key draw for the international fashion media and buyers attending London Fashion Week.

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council commented, “Autumn/Winter 2012 sees some of the most inventive and pioneering stars of the British Fashion Industry awarded the NEWGEN sponsorship and we are looking forward to seeing them participate in London Fashion Week in February which is set to be one of the most exciting to date.”

Sarah Mower, BFC’s Ambassador for Emerging Talent, said, “The calibre and variety of the talent coming up through NEWGEN is a brilliant reflection of exactly why London is shining in 2012. The designers selected for runway shows this season – both the fully-fledged designers Michael van der Ham, David Koma and Holly Fulton and the just-fledged J.W.Anderson, J.JS. Lee and Simone Rocha – are joined by brand new talents who are working their way up through the exhibition and presentation stages. The panel was impressed at the way this new, incredibly diverse set of individuals are united in their focus on concentrating on something so special and professional at such a young age. Be it making shirts, like Palmer Harding, or knits, like Sibling, or precious eveningwear like newcomer Huishan Zhang – each one is so happy to learn, co-operate and contribute to the NEWGEN group energy. I’d particularly like to thank Mary Homer and the Topshop team for their uniquely brilliant showcasing of these designers. They and the NEWGEN panel – a group of the most dedicated and critical editors, buyers and industry experts in Britain, who give so much time and free advice to our designers – are all fantastic contributors to making London the best it can be.”

Mary Homer, Managing Director of Topshop adds, "The coming season marks Topshop's tenth anniversary of supporting NEWGEN, one of the fashion world's most exciting and reputable sponsorship initiatives. We're proud to have been a part of the scheme over the last decade and have seen some of fashion's leading lights pass through on their way to stardom. We look forward to providing ongoing support to London's design talent over the next ten years and beyond, and I wish this season's winners the best of luck."

NEWGEN offers catwalk designers financial support towards their show costs and the opportunity to use the BFC Catwalk Show Space. Others receive sponsored presentation or exhibition space to showcase their collections, offering an important introduction for young UK-based designers to influential press and buyers from around the world. NEWGEN also provides business and mentoring support through the BFC in partnership with Shoosmiths, Baker Tilley and Lloyds TSB.

Simone Rocha receives NEWGEN catwalk sponsorship for the first time in 2012. Simone’s collections have generated great press recognition and have gained her extremely prestigious stockists throughout the world.

Progressive knitwear brand SIBLING is launching their second womenswear collection SISTER by SIBLING for AW12 with support from NEWGEN as an installation along with milliner Nasir Mazar. His collections take inspiration from a juxtaposition of street culture and vibrant ethnicity and his pieces have adorned the likes of Lady Gaga and Madonna.

Designers Lucas Nascimento and Huishan Zhang have received NEWGEN sponsorship for the first time and will be showcasing in the exhibition at London Fashion Week. Lucas Nascimento graduated in 2008 from London College of Fashion and has spent the last three seasons showing at Rio Fashion Week, his designs focus on the geometric and textural aspects of knitwear. Chinese born London based designer Huishan has found inspiration and direction in his own national identity creating a brand where Eastern heritage meets Western influence.

Tim Soar will showcase his second stand-alone womenswear line in the Exhibition at London Fashion Week. James Long also joins the exhibition with his progressive style and instantly recognisable use of leather and denim in his designs.

In 2012, Topshop will celebrate ten years of support of the NEWGEN scheme, providing London’s diverse young fashion designers with a showcase to a global audience. Topshop offers additional support to designers by providing show venues and commissioning special collections available during and beyond London Fashion Week. Topshop’s dedication to the support and growth of emerging talent remains unsurpassed.

London Fashion Week will run from Friday 17th February – Wednesday 22nd February 2012 and will be located at Somerset House, Strand WC2.

For more information on the NEWGEN designers visit
www.britishfashioncouncil.com/newgen

For press enquiries regarding NEWGEN at London Fashion Week please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, PR Manager, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

For buyers enquiries regarding NEWGEN at London Fashion Week please contact:
Barbara Grispini +44 (0) 20 7759 1991 / +44 (0) 7765 000 224
barbara.grispini@britishfashioncouncil.com

For designers wishing to apply for NEWGEN please contact:
Katie Bain, British Fashion Council, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1978
katie.bain@britishfashioncouncil.com

For Topshop enquiries, please contact:
Liz Shuttleworth, Senior Press Officer, Tel +44 (0)207927 1484
liz.shuttleworth@topshop.com

Image: Backstage at Michael van der Ham SS12 at London Fashion Week, September 2011

NEWGEN MEN AW12 winners

Fri, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has today announced that eight of London’s most exciting emerging menswear fashion design talents will receive sponsorship from its designer support initiative NEWGEN MEN sponsored by TOPMAN. All recipients will receive business support and the opportunity to use the official BFC venue to host either a catwalk show, presentation or an installation during London Fashion Week’s (LFW) Menswear Day, on Wednesday 22nd February.

The recipients of NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by TOPMAN, Autumn/Winter 2012 are:

Catwalk sponsorship (shows will take place in the BFC Show Space): Christopher Shannon and J.W. Anderson

Salon Show Presentation sponsorship: Lou Dalton, Martine Rose and Matthew Miller

Installation sponsorship (Installations will take place in the East Wing, Somerset House): Bunney, Christopher Raeburn and SIBLING

NEWGEN MEN began in September 2009, building on TOPMAN and Fashion East’s successful MAN initiative. It has since become instrumental in raising the profile of emerging British designers using the dedicated Menswear Day at London Fashion Week as a showcasing platform. As well as sponsorship, the initiative offers its recipients tailored business and mentoring support, with a view to increasing the success of their business commercially and building relationships with key press and buyers. NEWGEN MEN continues to promote the best of British menswear talent for the fifth consecutive season, with ongoing dedicated support from TOPMAN.

Tim Blanks, Contributing Editor, Style.com and a member of the British Fashion Council's Menswear Committee, said “The breadth of menswear in London has been inspiring, but now it's time to make note of the depth - behind all the already familiar names, there are platoons of newbies. That's more than evolution - it's inescapable maturity. I say, watch out, world!”

Gordon Richardson, Design Director, TOPMAN, who was also on the selection panel, adds “This season we say a fond farewell to the brilliant James Long as he flies the NEWGEN MEN nest to become the first Fashion Forward menswear recipient and we welcome Martine Rose and Matthew Miller - both graduates of MAN - as well as Bunney, a very exciting young jewellery designer into the NEWGEN mix. We see J.W. Anderson and Christopher Shannon showing again on the catwalk - both now having achieved their fifth season with a solo show and both very much established and commercially successful in their own right and I think testament to the importance and success of the MEN’s initiative during London Fashion Week - a necessary platform to showcase our brilliant home-grown menswear design talent.”

Martine Rose receives NEWGEN MEN sponsorship for the first time and will host a salon show presentation for February 2012 after three seasons of MAN support. Martine has had hugely successful collaborations with Wallpaper Magazine, Timberland and CAT boots and was one of the selected designers taking part in Selfridges, 'Bright Young Things' project, which saw designers produce a window display for the store and design exclusive product and one off pieces.

Matthew Miller is also new for the NEWGEN MEN 2012 presentation schedule where he has fast tracked after just one season of MAN support. Millar graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2009, where his final collection was singled out by the industry as one to watch. Matthew's work draws on his interest of the human body, software and their relation to one another in this digital age. His signature aesthetic mixes tailoring and sportswear with unique and intricate textile decoration, resulting in highly wearable and desirable pieces.

Also new to the installation schedule for February 2012, is jewellery designer Bunney. Established in 2009, Bunney is known for its signature style of everyday objects recast in a new light with precious materials to create something starkly new but familiar.

The label J.W. Anderson was launched in 2008 and has achieved critical and commercial success winning NEWGEN MEN sponsorship for his fifth consecutive season. Christopher Shannon has also won sponsorship for a fifth season to showcase his luxury sportswear label and both designers will show their collections in a catwalk show.

The creative and technically talented trio behind SIBLING have between them worked for Alexander McQueen, Giles Deacon, Lanvin, Jonathan Saunders and Bella Freud. Their signature hand-crafted, bold and progressive knitwear will be shown in an installation for a fourth time round at London Fashion Week.

The NEWGEN MEN selection committee is made up of key opinion formers across media and retail. This season the panel include Adam Kelly, Selfridges; Alex Bilmes, Esquire; Anna Orsini, BFC; Ben Reardon, GQ Style; Charlie Porter, Fantastic Man; Gordon Richardson, TOPMAN; Jason Griffiths, TOPMAN; Jo-Ann Furniss; Katie Bain, BFC; Lulu Kennedy, Fashion East & MAN; Patrick Grant, Norton & Sons; Simon Chilvers, The Guardian; Simon Ward, BFC; Stephen Ayres, Liberty; Tim Blanks, Style.com.

London Fashion Week’s womenswear shows will run from Friday 17th – Tuesday 21st February 2012 and menswear collections will be shown on Wednesday 22nd February. London Fashion Week is located at Somerset House, Strand WC2.

For press enquiries regarding NEWGEN MEN at London Fashion Week please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, PR Manager, British Fashion Council +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com

For designers wishing to apply for NEWGEN MEN or to be part of Menswear Day please contact:
Laura Hinson, Show Executive, British Fashion Council +44 (0) 20 7759 1969
laura.hinson@britishfashioncouncil.com

For TOPMAN enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Reed, TOPMAN Press Office +44 (0) 20 7291 2721
kelly.reed@topman.com

Image: Backstage at Matthew Miller SS12 at London Fashion Week, September 2011

New Establishment Award

Mon, 27 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces a brand new category for the British Fashion Awards, named the New Establishment Award. As industry experts cast their votes for the winners of this year’s awards, due to be announced Monday 28th November 2011, they created a new category to seek and recognise a particular movement in British Fashion that is taking the industry by storm.

Over the past four seasons London has cemented its status as a capital for innovation, with a group of new designers commanding front row audiences only previously seen at the shows of long-established luxury fashion brands. This peer group is London’s New Establishment, bringing innovation to a luxury market. Sophisticated and exciting, they have surpassed being emerging designers and are growing into dynamic businesses with a global reach and a sustained impact on the way modern women dress.

London’s New Establishment category is personified by its inaugural three nominees. These designers were selected for their stand-out shows this year, their business growth, dominance in red carpet dressing and the international headlines driven by their collections. Though there were many more designers in the running for this Award, the judging panel decided that this year’s nominees are Christopher Kane, Erdem and Jonathan Saunders. The British Fashion Awards recognises the most influential people in fashion today who have contributed to the reputation and development of British fashion. The evening is attended by key industry opinion-formers, designers, retailers, models and celebrities to celebrate the very best in British fashion.

For more information please visit www.britishfashionawards.com

Image: SS12 collections by Christopher Kane, Erdem and Jonathan Saunders

McQ at LFW

Thu, 23 Nov 2011 15:50:00 GMT

For the first time since the brand was launched, McQ will present the autumn/winter 2012/2013 collection with a catwalk show at London Fashion Week in February 2012.

The show will form a preview to the the opening of a McQ store in London in Spring 2012: A Georgian townhouse located at 14 Dover Street, London W1S 4LW with 4 storeys and 273 square metres of retail space, McQ’s first flagship store will be designed by Pod and will offer womenswear, menswear as well as accessories from the collection.

The main line Alexander McQueen collection will continue to show at Paris Fashion Week.

For further enquiries please contact:
Hongyi Huang
hongyi.huang@uk.alexandermcqueen.com
+44 (0) 20 7017 8200
www.m-c-q.com

Image: Customised McQ tartan safety pin dress

Stella McCartney

Wed, 22 Nov 2011 13:23:00 GMT

To celebrate London next year, Stella McCartney will host a special fashion presentation on the evening of February 18th as part of London Fashion Week. The one-off collection will be available through the designer’s retail stores, stellamcartney.com and select wholesale accounts worldwide in May 2012. The designer’s Winter 2012 collection, will be shown as scheduled on March 5th in Paris.

In addition to Stella McCartney’s previously announced role as Creative Director for adidas Team GB for the Summer 2012 Olympics; the designer will also be celebrating the “World of Stella” at Selfridges on Oxford Street beginning January 26th until February 14th which will include a new fragrance launch, Ready to Wear, accessories, kids, lingerie, sunglasses and adidas by Stella McCartney collections.

Also in 2012 the designer will open a second London store location in addition to her already existing Bruton Street store which will include the first ever Stella McCartney Kids freestanding store reflecting “Stella’s World” in Brompton Cross on the 2nd week of February.

The new address will be: Stella McCartney, Brompton Cross 91-97 Fulham Road SW3 6RH

Stella McCartney is a partnership between Ms. Stella McCartney and PPR’s luxury division established in 2001 as a 50/50 joint venture. A lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney does not use any leather or fur in her designs. The brand’s luxury women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, beauty and performance range with adidas are available through 15 other freestanding stores including London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris and Milan as well around 600 wholesale accounts in key cities worldwide.

For more information about Stella McCartney, please visit www.stellamccartney.com

Outstanding Achievement Award

Tue, 21 Nov 2011 12:56:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that Sir Paul Smith will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s British Fashion Awards on Monday 28th November. This special award celebrates the achievement of a designer whose work has had an exceptional impact on global fashion.

Four times previous British Fashion Awards winner, Paul Smith has been the recipient of Menswear Designer (1997/1999), Classic Designer (2001) and Contemporary Designer (2003). This award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design, was voted for by a panel of leading internationally acclaimed journalists and retailers to recognize Paul’s extraordinary career an contribution to the British Fashion Industry.

Paul Smith is revered for his designs which are described as ‘classics with a twist’ and for his signature idiosyncratic take on traditional British styling in both his fashion collections and shops.

Paul Smith started his fashion career in a clothing warehouse in Nottingham. With no plans or qualifications and with the encouragement of his girlfriend Pauline Denyer (now wife) and a small amount of savings, Paul opened a tiny shop in 1970. By 1976 Paul showed his first menswear collection in Paris under the Paul Smith label and in 1998 showed his first women's collection at London Fashion Week and the women's mainline collection continues to this day.

Within 20 years Paul Smith had established himself as a pre-eminent British designer. He has the ability to anticipate and spark trends, not only fashion but often in the wider context of popular culture. He transmits a genuine sense of humour and mischief mixed with his love of tradition and the classics. In recognition of his dedication to British Fashion, he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2001 for services to the British Fashion Industry.
Paul has retained a base in Nottingham but opened an office in London in 2003. His first store opened on 10 Byard Lane, Nottingham in 1970. In 1998 he converted a town-house in Notting Hill, London which became his flagship shop. He now has 14 stores in London including Paul Smith Men, Women, Jeans, Junior and Paul Smith No. 9. The international growth of his business began and most famously in Japan, where Paul Smith has become synonymous with British design, he now has over two hundred stores in the country, other international stores can be found in Paris, Milan, New York, Far East and Middle East.

He is famed for dressing a broad range of high profile figures including politicians, entrepreneurs, footballers, rock stars, artists and actors who champion his label.

Paul Smith continues to be an integral part of his company; he is both designer and chairman and remains fully involved in every aspect of the business.

Sir Paul Smith commented,
“What a fantastic honour to receive this award. It is really an award for not just me but for all of my fantastic team, many who have been with me for a very long time and have helped me build up a solid structure which really works. Thank you!”

Harold Tillman, CBE, Chairman of the BFC, commented,
“I have known Paul for many years, he has built an incredible business, has bags of integrity and, a great sense of humour. Paul Smith, the brand and the man contributes a great deal to our industry commercially and creatively; his signature style is recognised throughout the world. He is the perfect recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award this year.”

Image gallery of Paul Smith's collections

For British Fashion Awards enquiries, please contact:
Gemma Ebelis, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1989
gemma@britishfashioncouncil.com

Vodafone UK

Thu, 16 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Customers to get unprecedented access for the very first time to the world of high fashion

Vodafone UK is to become the Principal Sponsor of London Fashion Week, starting in February 2012. The seven season partnership will allow Vodafone customers to get closer than ever before to the emerging trends as they unfold at London Fashion Week. Vodafone has been closely involved with London Fashion Week for the past three seasons in its role as official communications partner and title sponsor of London Fashion Weekend.

Starting from London Fashion Week this February, as all eyes fall on the London catwalks, customers have even more opportunity to get a money can’t buy experience. As part of Vodafone VIP, customers will be able to win tickets to all catwalk shows taking place at the official BFC Catwalk Show Space, Somerset House. Vodafone customers will benefit from an exclusive viewing platform for the shows offering a great view of the runway as well as a VIP lounge for an intimate experience of London Fashion Week.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, said today: "Vodafone understand innovation. Through this partnership with London Fashion Week, British Fashion Awards and Vodafone London Fashion Weekend they will be supporting our innovative talent whilst providing unique opportunities and access for their customers to experience fashion."

Danielle Crook, Vodafone’s UK Director of Brand Marketing, said: “From Haute Couture to high street trends, our customers tell us that fashion is one of their great passions. Through this exciting extention of our partnership with London Fashion Week we’re looking forward to giving them even greater access to the heart of the British fashion world.”

Vodafone UK will continue to be title sponsor of Vodafone London Fashion Weekend and sponsor of the British Fashion Awards.

Whether you're into fashion, festivals or Formula 1™, you can get tickets into some of the Britain’s best events. Vodafone VIP is Vodafone’s way of saying thank you for being a customer. All Vodafone customers can register for Vodafone VIP at vodafone.co.uk/vip.

The British Fashion Council is to announce their continued and growing relationship with Canon and thank them for all of their support to date. Exciting plans will be revealed over the forthcoming weeks.

For further information please contact Freud Communications:
Anna Thomson
anna.thomson@freud.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3003 6392

Katy Wickremesinghe
katy.wickremesinghe@freud.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3003 6385

Image: Backstage at Richard Nicoll SS12 supported by Vodafone.

LONDON show ROOMS Hong Kong

Fri, 27 Oct 2011 10:41:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council’s (BFC) international showcasing initiative LONDON show ROOMS is bringing London’s rising stars of British fashion to Hong Kong, supported by Li & Fung Limited, from the 31st October – 1st November, 2011. This new venture to Hong Kong supports the China/Britain Fashion Alliance, a combined initiative between the BFC, the Beijing International Brand Management Centre and the China-Britain Business Council to promote British Fashion in China.

Centrally located at The Space Gallery, 210 Hollywood Road, the showroom will showcase a selection of BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist designers, Fashion Forward alumni with the addition of the winners of British Fashion Awards Menswear and Accessory Designers of the Year 2010. The initiative aims to develop the profile of these designers through introductions to Chinese media, creatives and retailers.

London has a reputation for nurturing the world’s most innovative, emerging design talents and LONDON show ROOMS in Hong Kong brings together many of those identified as London’s future stars. The designers showcasing their SS12 collections include E. Tautz, Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Nicholas Kirkwood, Peter Pilotto, Roksanda Ilincic and Todd Lynn.

The LONDON show ROOMS is a British Fashion Council project, supported by UK Trade & Investment and aimed at boosting British designers exports and raising the profile of British designers in international markets. Launched in Paris in October 2008, this initiative provides a unique opportunity for emerging British designers to promote themselves outside London. The project is co-curated and managed by Anna Orsini and Barbara Grispini for the British Fashion Council with the support of the BFC’s Ambassador for Emerging Talent Sarah Mower. The pop-up showroom is a strategic element of the British Fashion Council's support and mentoring scheme with the aim to promote London design internationally and secure new export business.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, commented “Hong Kong is an invaluable market for our British designer businesses. It is important that they develop their knowledge of and relationships with both media and retailers in this market; LONDON show ROOMS Hong Kong enables them to do that.”

The Hong Kong showroom will be open for two days, 31st October – 1st November 2011 at The Space Gallery, 210 Hollywood Road Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2361 1210.

LONDON show ROOMS Hong Kong is supported by UK Trade & Investment and from this season, part-financed by the European Union.

LONDON show ROOMS HONG KONG Participating Designers:
E. Tautz
Jonathan Saunders
Marios Schwab
Mary Katrantzou
Nicholas Kirkwood
Peter Pilotto
Roksanda Ilincic
Todd Lynn

For more information on LONDON show ROOMS and full biographies of the designers showcasing, please visit:
www.britishfashioncouncil.com/londonshowrooms

Image: Todd Lynn SS12

British Style Award 2011

Fri, 27 Oct 2011 15:32:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced that it will once again be looking to the public to decide on the winner of the British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone at this year’s British Fashion Awards. The award, which was won by Alexa Chung in 2010, is presented to the individual who most embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital.

The British Style Award is based on the success of the London 25 Award, introduced in 2009 as part of the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations and awarded to Kate Moss. A list of nominees including Adele, Daisy Lowe, Florence Welch, Lara Stone, Stella McCartney and Tilda Swinton was compiled by a panel of key opinion formers for this year’s award.

Voting is open from 27th October until 11th November 2011 and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on the 28th November. Members of the public are invited to vote through the British Fashion Awards website www.britishfashionawards.com/britishstyle and voters will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to attend the BFA awards ceremony.

The British Fashion Awards recognise the most influential people in fashion today and will celebrate the reputation and development of British fashion through awards such as Designer of the Year, Designer Brand, Accessory Designer, Menswear Designer and three Emerging Talent Award’s which recognise designers as they establish their emerging fashion businesses. Other awards that will be presented on the night include Outstanding Achievement in Fashion, Model and the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator.

To raise donations for Save The Children, the official charity of theBritish Fashion Awards 2011, the BFC are encouraging voters to make a donation through Save the Children’s official Just Giving webpage. Members of the public can also donate straight from their mobile through JustTextGiving by Vodafone, by texting BFAS99 and the donation amount to 70070 e.g. text BFAS99 £5 to 70070. Texts are free from any network. For more information about JustTextGiving by Vodafone, go to http://www.justtextgiving.co.uk

To vote for the British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone, please visit
www.britishfashionawards.com/britishstyle

For more information go to www.britishfashionawards.com

Image: Alexa Chung, winner of last year's British Style Award

Applications for LFW February 2012

Thu, 28 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMT

Online applications for autumn/winter 2012 at LFW February 2012 are now closed.

NEWGEN

Find out more: www.britishfashioncouncil.com/newgen
Further application enquiries: Laura Hinson - laura@britishfashioncouncil.com

NEWGEN MEN

Find out more: www.britishfashioncouncil.com/newgenmen
Further application enquiries: Laura Hinson - laura@britishfashioncouncil.com

EXHIBITION

Find out more: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/exhibition
Further application enquiries: Camilla Scott-Bowden - camilla@britishfashioncouncil.com

ESTETHICA

Find out more: www.britishfashioncouncil.com/bfcestethica
Further application enquiries: Camilla Scott-Bowden - camilla@britishfashioncouncil.com

CATWALK/PRESENTATION

Find out more: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/catwalk
Further application enquiries: Laura Hinson - laura@britishfashioncouncil.com

MENSWEAR
Find out more: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/menswear
Further application enquiries: Laura Hinson - laura@britishfashioncouncil.com

For further information please contact:
Camilla Scott-Bowden
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1977
camilla@britishfashioncouncil.com

LONDON show ROOMS LA

Sat, 07 Oct 2011 10:56:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council’s (BFC) international showcasing initiative LONDON show ROOMS is taking London’s brightest stars of British fashion to Los Angeles for the first time this October, building on the success of LONDON show ROOMS in Paris and New York. This initiative aims to develop the profile and business opportunities for these designers in international markets. West Coast buyers, stylists and press will have the opportunity to meet designers and view the collections in a unique environment.

London has an unparalleled reputation for nurturing the world’s most innovative, diverse and creative talents and LONDON show ROOMS in Los Angeles brings together many of those identified as London’s hottest stars. The showroom will showcase a selection of BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlisted designers, Fashion Forward alumni with the addition of the winners of British Fashion Awards Menswear and Accessory Designers of the Year 2010.

A project aimed at boosting British designer exports, LONDON show ROOMS has grown to include a showroom in New York, and, in June 2010, launched LONDON show ROOMS MEN in Paris, both of which were in partnership with the Centre for Fashion Enterprise. This season, following a successful London Fashion Week, LONDON show ROOMS will increase its presence in the U.S. and develop their businesses internationally with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

LONDON show ROOMS LA will take place from October 17th-19th at the Ace Gallery, located at 5514 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. The showroom is a fully subsidized space for designers to showcase their collections with the support of international marketing, media and sales advisers.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC said, “Taking LONDON show ROOMS to LA will help further develop the profile of these designers through media coverage and introductions to media, stylists and retailers. LA is a significant market for our designers and we are delighted to be taking this initiative over to the west coast.”

Launched in 2008, LONDON show ROOMS is a key element of the British Fashion Council's designer support and mentoring scheme. The project is co-curated and managed by Anna Orsini and Barbara Grispini for the British Fashion Council with the support of the BFC’s Ambassador for Emerging Talent, Sarah Mower. The showroom provides a unique opportunity for emerging British designers to promote themselves outside London and secure new export business. LONDON show ROOMS are supported by UK Trade and Investment and part-financed by the European Union.

The Los Angeles showroom will be open from 10.30 AM until 6 PM, October 17th-19th, 2011 at the Ace Gallery, 5514 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA.

LONDON show ROOMS LA Participating Designers:

E.Tautz
Erdem
Jonathan Saunders
Marios Schwab
Mary Katrantzou
Nicholas Kirkwood
Peter Pilotto
Richard Nicoll
Roksanda Ilincic
Todd Lynn

With special thanks to Concept Los Angeles at ACE Gallery, Fashionglue and Mondrian LA.

www.britishfashioncouncil.com/londonshowroomsLA

Press Contacts:
Lauren Urband, Senior Director of Public Relations, Starworks Group
laurenurband@starworksla.com
+1 323 782 8630

Ashley Ross, Account Manager, Starworks Group
ashley@starworksla.com
+1 323 782 8630

General information on LONDON show ROOMS and buyers please contact:
Barbara Grispini, British Fashion Council
barbara@britishfashioncouncil.com
Tel: +44 (0) 7765 000 224

David Watts

Fri, 29 Sep 2011 12:16:00 GMT

David Watts has joined the British Fashion Council as Business Support Manager. His appointment underlines the BFC’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and supporting designer businesses. The BFC provides business support and mentoring as an integral part of all of its designer support schemes including BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund; BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad; NEWGEN, sponsored by Topshop; NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by TOPMAN and Fashion Forward, sponsored by Coutts & Co and The Mayor of London. David will meet these supported designers on a one to one basis and will assist in co-ordinating access to the BFC’s consultants, BFC team members, professional services and the broader industry to provide more specialist support. Going forward, David will also seek to develop broader networking and knowledge sharing opportunities.

David’s career, spanning twenty five years in the fashion and creative sectors, has focussed on building sales, marketing and creative development brand strategies in the UK, USA and Japan. Most recently, David was responsible for running an ERDF funded fashion contract for the East London Small Business Centre, providing one to one business advice to fashion designers and UK fashion brands helping them develop tailor made business plans for sales growth in new markets.

Simon Ward, BFC COO, commented “David is a welcome and important addition to the British Fashion Council team. He has a track record of working with designer businesses and, through the BFC’s broader industry network, will be able to broaden access to knowledge and expertise for London’s leading emerging fashion designers.”

David Watts, Business Support Manager
david.watts@britishfashioncouncil.com / +44 (0) 20 7759 1973

For press enquiries, please contact:
Ellie Wilson or Will Rowley
ellie.wilson@britishfashioncouncil.com / +44 (0) 20 7759 1986
will.rowley@britishfashioncouncil.com / +44 (0) 20 7759 1968

LONDON show ROOMS

Thu, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces plans to expand its international showcasing initiative, LONDON show ROOMS. In October 2011, LONDON show ROOMS will take a selection of London’s design talent to Los Angeles and Hong Kong for the first time, building on the success of this initiative in Paris and New York. LONDON show ROOMS is supported by Sarah Mower, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent.

LONDON show ROOMS LA will take place 17th – 19th October, giving west coast buyers, and press the opportunity to view the collections and the designers the opportunity to expand in this market.

LONDON show ROOMS Hong Kong will take place 31st October – 1st November, 2011 with Li & Fung joining as official sponsor. The decision to showcase in Hong Kong supports the China Britain Fashion Alliance, established July 2011, an initiative between the BFC, the Beijing International Brand Management Centre and the China-Britain Business Council to promote British Fashion in China.

Designers participating in LA and Hong Kong are previous Fashion Forward alumni and BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist and British Fashion Awards Menswear and Accessory Designers of the Year 2010. Paris and New York showcases designers who have received NEWGEN, Fashion Forward and Fashion East support.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, commented “LONDON show ROOMS has become an essential initiative to promote British talent internationally and help designers develop their businesses through directly networking and working with media, retailers and the broader fashion industry in each region. We are delighted to take this initiative to LA and Hong Kong.”

LONDON show ROOMS Spring/Summer 2012 key dates

PARIS
Thursday 29th September - Thursday 6th October 2011 | 9am - 7pm
New venue for spring/summer 2012 Le Loft, Impasse Guéménée, 3 Cour Bérard, off rue Saint Antoine 28, 75004 Paris (4eme)

NEW YORK
In Partnership with Centre for Fashion Enterprise
9- 10 November 2011
Penthouse Lofts, Soho Grand, 310 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013 +001 (212) 965 3000

LOS ANGELES
17 – 19 October 2011 venue tbc

HONG KONG
31 October – 1 November 2011 venue tbc

For the latest information and updates on LONDON show ROOMS and full list and biographies of the designers showcasing, please visit:
www.britishfashioncouncil.com/londonshowrooms

For press enquiries please contact:
Kimberly Carroll / Will Rowley, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1987 / +44 (0) 20 7759 1968
kimberly@britishfashioncouncil.com / will@britishfashioncouncil.com

For information on LONDON show ROOMS and buyers enquiries please contact:
Barbara Grispini, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 7765 000 224
barbara@britishfashioncouncil.com

Twitter Q&A

Fri, 15 Sep 2011 14:26:00 GMT

This season, LFW is working closely with Twitter to promote conversation around Fashion Week using the hashtag #LFW and by mentioning the official account @LondonFashionWk.

Q&A sessions will be held over the 6 days of LFW from the @LondonFashionWk account. Tweeters can pose questions in real-time to the scheduled guests, using the hashtag #AskLFW. Join the conversation!

All Q&A sessions last 30 minutes.

SCHEDULE
Friday 16th September
Caroline Rush, CEO British Fashion Council
Time: 4pm

Saturday 17th September
Laura Bailey, BFC Cultural Ambassador (@LauraBailey77)
Time: 11am

Sunday 18th September
Poppy Delevingne, BFC Young Ambassador
Time: 4.45pm

Monday 19th September
Lucy Yeoman's, Editor, Harper's Bazaar (@LucyBAZAAR)
Time: 3pm

Tuesday 20th September
Louise Gray, designer (@LOUISEGRAYLONDO)
Time: 11am

Wednesday 21st September
Gordon Richardson, Topman
Time: 2pm

Full press release on Digital Activity at London Fashion Week

Image: Louise Gray

Fashion 2012

Sat, 16 Sep 2011 09:31:00 GMT

Fashion 2012 is the official fashion industry activity for the Olympic year. Created by the British Fashion Council (BFC), it is a central platform under which the industry is able to showcase and celebrate British fashion. It will provide a core focus for the industry and a schedule for the major fashion events and activities throughout London’s Olympic year.

Fashion 2012 has three key objectives – to celebrate and showcase our extraordinary talent in the world of Fashion; to inspire and educate young people to get involved with the industry; and to leave a legacy of future support and nurturing for our fashion stars of tomorrow.

The programme will be announced on 16th September 2011 at the opening of London Fashion Week by BFC Chair Harold Tillman CBE and London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The online platform will allow a consumer audience to register for newsletters before the schedule goes live in December 2011 in readiness for 2012.

The Fashion 2012 online resource will promote and showcase events, exhibitions and activity surrounding fashion throughout 2012. This will be supported by a downloadable app that will give details of events with links to Google Maps and more interactive content.

Fashion 2012 will highlight the breadth and depth of the talent in the UK and will position London as THE creative capital.

Activities include;-

-    A series of showcases and exhibitions including two London Fashion Weeks in February and September, major exhibitions at the V&A and London Show Rooms international showcase promoting BFC designers abroad

-    A joint BFC / British Council project bringing the world’s most exciting emerging fashion designers to London for the Fashion 2012 International Fashion Showcase

-    A major push for British Menswear featuring a series of activities both in the UK and abroad

-    An educational project in collaboration with Adidas and the BFC’s Colleges Council

-    The BFC / Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation’s 2012 Showcase – “Britain Creates 2012” – in collaboration with the Mayor of London

Other events and activities are still in development and the BFC invites the industry to join in the celebration of the very best of British Fashion by e-mailing 2012@britishfashioncouncil.com to express an interest in the development of the calendar.

Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman of the BFC, said “In 2012 the eyes of the world will be upon us – we want to show the world that Britain is the leading force in the global creative sphere. Our fashion reputation is second to none and we will ensure that reputation is showcased and celebrated to the broadest possible global audience and that there are opportunities for the whole of the industry to get involved and participate.”

For more information, please visit www.fashion2012.co.uk

Britain Creates

Sat, 16 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT

To celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games, our most prestigious and renowned fashion designers will collaborate with leading visual artists on specially commissioned one-off works of art. These commissions, focusing on an Olympic and Paralympic value, will be showcased to a broad UK and international audience through a major engagement programme that will support the commissions - a series of activities both actual and virtual that will reach a broad & diverse audience.

To date 14 artists and designers have signed up to the project including, Christopher Bailey for Burberry, Charming Baker, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan, Giles Deacon, Jeremy Deller, Jess Flood-Paddock, Stephen Jones, Christopher Kane, Marc Quinn, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood. Further artists and designers and their pairings will be announced in autumn 2011.

Created and managed by the British Fashion Council / Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation in collaboration with the Mayor of London, this exciting new project will be a highlight of the London 2012 Festival, a UK festival which runs from 21st June to 9 September next year and is the culmination of the four year Cultural Olympiad.

The Britain Creates 2012 project will be the start of an ongoing artistic project and bursary to support and encourage further collaboration between fashion and other art forms. The money for the bursary will be raised through the auction of the pieces and through the proceeds of a Gala event.

The 2012 Commissions will bring together pairs of leading artists and fashion designers who will work together across different artistic mediums. Leading creative figures will bring the Olympic and Paralympic values to life through a project that will salute the longstanding connection between fashion and the visual arts and show that when great minds collide, amazing things happen.

The pieces will be unveiled in June 2012 at a Gala event in central London. They will then be exhibited to the public throughout the London 2012 Festival period. Further details will be announced by LOCOG in autumn 2011.

The Britain Creates 2012 Engagement Programme will encompass an exhibition of the work (both public and through a high profile Gala for an influential global audience) and a series of stimulating interactions from seminars to film.

Britain Creates 2012 has received a grant from the Arts Council and has raised funds from private donors. Monies raised from the Gala and from the auction of the pieces will create future fashion and visual arts bursaries. A bursary committee will allocate funding.

Harold Tillman CBE, BFC Chair said, “Those viewing the Britain Creates 2012 Commissions either in person or virtually and those reading about it subsequently will be in no doubt that Britain is the leading force in the global creative sphere.”

Moira Sinclair, London Executive Director, Arts Council England said: "We are delighted to be partners in Britain Creates 2012. This is one of a number of opportunities to present our creative talents on a global platform as we welcome the world to London next year. The spirit of collaboration that Britain Creates 2012 embodies is at the heart of a continued drive to explore new possibilities and push boundaries, which has kept this country at the forefront of artistic innovation.”

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "With its innovative designers, cutting edge street style and catwalk pizzazz, it's no wonder London has been voted fashion capital of the world. We want to show the city at its creative best in 2012 and these intriguing collaborations will bring together some of the most exciting designers and artists working in Britain today. I've no doubt we'll be seeing work that is as challenging as it is inventive, showing the power of creative collaboration and adding to a summer like no other."

The Britain Creates 2012 project has been made possible by generous donations from private funders including Megha Mittal and Tania Fares. They have not only provided essential start up funding to get this project underway but also give valuable input on the working committee. The working committee is led by co-chairs Lucy Yeomans, editor of Bazaar and Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC.

Ruth Mackenzie, Director, Cultural Olympiad & London 2012 Festival, said: "I'm delighted that London 2012 is inspiring a project that puts artistic collaboration at its heart. I genuinely can't wait to see what extraordinary creations these leading fashion designers and visual artists will produce for the London 2012 Festival. And by generating funds to support a new generation of creatives, it will leave a great legacy."

LFW Facts & Figures September 2011

Fri, 15 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT

LONDON FASHION WEEK & BRITISH FASHION INDUSTRY FACTS & FIGURES SEPTEMBER 2011

•    68 catwalk shows and 37 presentations to take place over 6 days
•    205 UK and International emerging and established, ready to wear and accessories designers at The Exhibition at London Fashion Week (LFW)
•    Canon is the principal sponsor for the twelfth consecutive season
•    The Exhibition at LFW will play host to 19 Estethica designers, 17 NEWGEN designers and 6 Multibrand   Showrooms
•    Menswear day, now in its 6th season, has 9 shows and 6 presentations
•    On the catwalk there are 4 NEWGEN, sponsored by Topshop, designers: David Koma, Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, and Michael van der Ham
•    2 NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by TOPMAN, designers are showing on the catwalk: Christopher Shannon and James Long
•    Fashion Forward, sponsored by Coutts & Co and supported by the Mayor of London, will support three designers on the catwalk this season: Meadham Kirchhoff, Peter Pilotto and Todd Lynn
•    Over 5,000 visitors are expected: buyers, TV & radio crews, journalists and photographers
•    Media coverage equals or exceeds most major news and international sporting events
•    UK media coverage each season now exceeds £100m and media coverage from the International Guest Programme exceeds £53m (source: Precise)
•    It is estimated that orders of over £100m are placed during LFW each season; the International Guest Programme alone generates over £50m of orders
•    The direct value of the UK fashion industry to the UK economy is £21 billion (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report)
•    Fashion’s wider contribution to the economy in influencing spending in other industries is estimated to stand at over £37 billion (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report)
•    The UK fashion industry is estimated to support 1.3 million jobs, equivalent 4.5% of total employment, and is the largest employer of all the creative industries. The sector also provides opportunities to minority groups to a greater extent than most other creative industries (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report)
•    The UK Fashion industry is similar in size to the food/beverages services and telecommunications industries and bigger than the wholesale and retail of automotives, sports activities, chemical manufacture and advertising/video sectors (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report)
•    Major export markets are USA, Japan, Russia, France, Italy, Middle East, Hong Kong, China
•    The UK is renowned for having the best fashion colleges in the world

For further information on London Fashion Week visit www.londonfashionweek.co.uk