London Fashion Week takes place this year between Friday 17th and Wednesday 22nd of February. It is one of the highlights of the fashion calendar, featuring both international and local designers. London is the perfect backdrop for this exciting event because those interested in fashion have long been attracted to the city. They are drawn by its contemporary and constantly evolving style and the streets of London are considered a continual source of inspiration. So what are the key features of London Fashion Week?
New Talent
Fashion is constantly looking for the next big thing and there are always many new designers looking for a chance to exhibit their clothes. The British Fashion Council recognises this and has a couple of schemes to help promote new designers. The first of these is a talent identification scheme called New Generation, or NEWGEN for short. It was set up in 1993 with the express purpose of promoting and showcasing young and upcoming designers.
Previous winners have included Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald. Those who are picked for the scheme are offered some money towards the cost of running a show and are allowed to use the British Fashion Council catwalk. The scheme has become internationally recognised, which means that designers chosen to be part of it will be introduced to buyers from around the world and to the worldwide fashion press. This year New Generation Award winners for the autumn and winter of 2012 will be exhibiting at London Fashion week.
Fashion Forward
Fashion Forward is another scheme run by the British Fashion Council to help promote young British designers who would like to base their business in London. The scheme has been in existence for six years now. In order to be eligible for it, designers must have been participants in the New Generation scheme. Alternatively, they can be at a similar start-up point in their business. Two of the winners this year are Louise Gray and James Long.
Accessories
London Fashion Week is not only about catwalk collections and promoting new designers. It is also about showcasing ready-to-wear collections and accessories. There are a number of different types of accessories showcased during the week, including bags, hats, belts, scarves, shoes and jewellery.
Many of the exhibitors at the show have shops or franchises in London. The London Fashion Week website gives full information of all the designers who are attending the show with details and directions about where to find their work.
There is also a section on the website where leading designers discuss some of their favourite shops in London. These range from specialist vintage shops to boutiques and well-known department stores such as Harvey Nichols. For those looking for inspiration about where to find the best shops in London, this can be an excellent starting point.
London Fashion Week is spot of bright colour against the drab February weather and offers an excellent reason to visit this vibrant and cosmopolitan city, as well as a chance to see leading British and international design talent.