London Fashion Week turns 40 this year, and the British Fashion Council (BFC) have plenty planned to mark the occasion.
The catwalk shows commence today (16 February) and at the opening breakfast, CEO of the BFC Caroline Rush told attendees: “London has always been at the forefront of welcoming people to the city, we have over 500 events going on that anyone and everyone can get involved with.”
The 40th celebrations will celebrate London’s creative community and the city as a cultural hub, alongside its role in nurturing emerging talent and the next generation of visionary creatives.
London Fashion Week has helped to launch the careers of designers such as Charles Jeffrey
Throughout February, the BFC has been fly postering across London in 51 key locations (such as Old Street, Tottenham Court Road, Curtain Road, Holland Park and Ladbroke Grove) to promote the abbreviated “LW40” event.
On Valentine’s Day, it released a “Love Letter to London” written by 2023 Mercury prize winner Femi Koleoso of the band Ezra Collective. The film featured a reading of the letter by 13 prominent members of the BFC community including: Clara Amfo, Grace Carter, Mahalia, Kojey Radical, Saul Nash, Foday Dumbuya, Headie One, Victor Kunda, Kosar Ali, Allan Mustafa, Sebastian Croft, and Bimini Bon Boulash.
And on Thursday 15 February, some of London’s most iconic landmarks — including the London Eye, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, National Gallery and National Theatre — were lit up green in honour of the occasion.
The schedule from the very first London Fashion Week, which included designers Hardy Aimes, Jasper Conran and Zandra Rhodes
With an array of events planned throughout the week, the BFC will host an afternoon tea at 10 Downing Street with select designers to close London Fashion Week on Tuesday 20 February. The event will provide an opportunity for direct engagement with senior politicians and officials. Government support and investment in NEWGEN and the LFW International Guest Programme are crucial to deliver growth, employment and exports as well as enhance UK soft power and global prestige.
Stay tuned for Drapers’ coverage from the event.
