Celebrating its 40th anniversary, London Fashion Week (LFW) is expanding its reach across the UK.
- The British Fashion Council (BFC) introduces the City Wide Celebration (CWC) in Manchester and Newcastle.
- LFW’s CWC features over 1,000 public events from 350 brands in September.
- Renowned venues like Covent Garden, Selfridges, and Fenwick lead city celebrations.
- The initiative seeks to connect consumers with the fashion industry through cultural events.
Celebrating its 40-year legacy, London Fashion Week (LFW) is making history by expanding its reach across the United Kingdom. As part of the celebrations, the British Fashion Council (BFC) has launched an expanded version of its City Wide Celebration (CWC), extending its festivities to Manchester and Newcastle for the first time. This nationwide expansion aims to strengthen the connection between the fashion industry and its consumers, inviting them to engage with over 1,000 events throughout September.
The City Wide Celebration (CWC), meticulously curated by the BFC, showcases the finest British culture and underscores the country’s reputation as a leader in the global fashion landscape. By including Manchester and Newcastle, alongside London, the BFC seeks to promote retail growth and drive fashion dialogue across the nation. This industry-wide participation and collaboration represent a significant step in broadening the impact of LFW’s 40th-anniversary celebrations.
Renowned shopping destinations such as Covent Garden in London, Selfridges in Manchester, and Fenwick in Newcastle are poised to kick off the festivities in their respective cities. These venues will host a variety of activations crafted for both consumers and style enthusiasts. From limited edition prints by designer Tolu Coker to unique experiences like ‘Le Journal Bleu’, these events offer participants an opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic fashion environment.
Caroline Rush, the BFC’s Chief Executive, expressed her excitement about this initiative, stating that the City Wide Celebration enables brands and designers to forge meaningful connections with consumers. Historically, LFW has pioneered consumer engagement during fashion events, effectively altering the way brands interact with their audience. Rush appreciates the role of principal partner 1664 Blanc in facilitating the year-long line-up of events, further amplifying LFW’s consumer reach.
According to Justine Simons, deputy mayor for culture and creative industries, the City Wide Celebration not only honours the past achievements of LFW but also highlights the vibrant interchange between fashion and grassroots music. Events such as ‘London Creates Music X London Fashion Week’ exemplify this synergy, featuring underground gigs that enhance the cultural fabric of London. The list of all experiences is readily accessible on LFW’s official website.
The nationwide expansion of London Fashion Week embodies a strategic move to enhance consumer engagement and celebrate British fashion across the UK.