Introduction to London Fashion Week

The London Fashion Week begins this Thursday, and it’s an event that comes at a time when community and creativity are needed more than ever. According to Laura Ingham, deputy director of the Global Fashion Network, this season’s highlights include the Runway debut of Talia Byr, Roksanda and Erdem’s anniversary shows, and Simone Rocha’s showcase, dubbed "Fashion’s Favourite Romantic".

Expected Highlights

Ingham is particularly looking forward to Chopova Lowena’s fresh take on casting, Dilara’s next collection, and seeing where Daniel Lee will take Burberry. Other notable events include Skepta’s main season 3, which will be a highlight on Saturday evening. The fashion café in the 180 corner business will also be a hub for wellness meetings and caffeine hits.

International Guest List

This season’s international guest list is longer than ever, featuring buyers from prominent retailers such as Galeries Lafayette, Chalhoub Group, Dover Street Market, Le Bon Marché, Saks Fifth Avenue, Printemps, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. The global press will also be in attendance, with editors from notable publications such as The Cut, Fashion Japan and France, W Korea, Dazed Mena, and Grazia Italia.

Investment in International Guest Program

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has doubled its investment in the international guest program to bring the most influential editors, buyers, and cultural voices to the city. The program has been sharpened to focus on strategic markets, with expanded guest stays and minimum requirements for participation in shows and tailored coverage obligations.

Beyond London

The BFC has also invested in activations beyond London, with over 1,000 events taking place in Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle. This initiative aims to make London Fashion Week not just an industry moment, but a celebration of creativity that everyone can be a part of. A sold-out "at home" event in Liverpool, featuring a panel discussion with designer Patrick McDowell, Steven Stokey-Daley, and Talia Byre, is an example of this effort.

Anticipation and Confidence

There is a lot of anticipation ahead of the season, and the BFC is confident that it can deliver. The new strategy is seen as a step in the right direction, marking the beginning of a new journey for British fashion.