The British Fashion Council (BFC) is launching a national programme of over 1,000 cultural events across London, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Dundee and Edinburgh throughout September, as part of its Fashion Britain initiative.
Developed as part of the BFC’s ‘Strategy 2030: Access, Creativity and Growth’, Fashion Britain will celebrate the breadth of British creativity through a series of free public designer panel talks in partnership with ELLE UK, cultural activations, retail experiences, exhibitions and live performances, with the aim to “decentralise British fashion” and unlock a new era of creativity, participation and growth across the UK.
Laura Weir, Chief Executive of the BFC, said: “I am incredibly excited for the launch of Fashion Britain this September. British fashion has always been shaped by people – their local identities, global perspectives, creative disciplines and the communities that shape culture from the ground up.
“It’s vital that we recognise, celebrate and invest in talent wherever it exists across the UK. Fashion Britain is about decentralising fashion, by creating stronger pathways for creativity, opportunity and growth in every part of the country.
“That is why we are collaborating with leading cultural institutions alongside over 100 of our designer members to build a stronger, more connected future for British fashion.”
Kenya Hunt, Editor in Chief, ELLE UK, added: “ELLE UK is committed to championing British talent, and we’re extremely excited to partner with the British Fashion Council on the National Designer Panel series.
“By staging conversations with leading designers who have strong ties to each city, we aim to celebrate the breadth of creativity across the UK and inspire the next generation who will help shape the future of the industry.”
Programme highlights include:
Dundee and Edinburgh
- 10am on 4 September: BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel at V&A Dundee featuring Nicholas Daley and Charles Jeffrey in conversation, moderated by Avril Mair, Fashion, Watches and Jewellery Director, ELLE UK.
- Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show exhibition at V&A Dundee.
- St James Quarter in Edinburgh will be rebranded as Westfield St James Quarter this September, partnering with Charles Jeffrey to create an immersive listening rooms experience with live music, designer talks, workshops, archive displays and exclusive retail pop-ups.
Manchester
- 1pm on 12 September: BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel at Manchester Art Gallery featuring Aitor Throup in conversation, moderated by Naomi Pike, Commissioning Editor, ELLE UK.
- The House of Fashion at The Trafford Centre, a curated week of styling tips, seasonal inspiration and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
London
- 7pm on 21 September: BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel at the National Gallery featuring Saul Nash, Clio Peppiatt and Luke Derrick, moderated by Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK.
- Immersive fashion and music experiences at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City, curated by Tolu Coker and Priya Ahluwalia.
- The Music Is Black Festival at East Bank, Black to the Future, curated by FLOHIO and The Blues Project.
- Saul Nash’s Masquerade in Residence at The Truman Brewery.
- The Chelsea Arts Festival will unite the worlds of culture and fashion in a shared celebration of British creative excellence.
- Further events from Rejina Pyo, JW Anderson, MAX & Co x Paloma le Friant, Harris Reed x Missoma, Simone Rocha x Harvey Nichols.
Liverpool
- 7pm on 21 September: BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel at Walker Art Gallery featuring Patrick McDowell and Talia Byre, moderated by Tamison O’Connor, Fashion Features Director, ELLE UK.
- Liverpool ONE will host in-store activations, exclusive offers, competitions and interactive experiences. The centre will also launch a competition giving one talented local artist the opportunity to design a fashion-inspired wrap for the iconic Liverpool sign on Thomas Steers Way.
- Beyond the Rail by All Over the Shop, an immersive fashion experience celebrating Liverpool’s independent fashion community and the people behind it.
Newcastle
- 3pm on 26 September: BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art featuring Genevieve Devine and Ian Bergin, Director of Menswear, Barbour, moderated by Chiara Wilkinson, Deputy Multiplatform Editor, ELLE UK.
- Newcastle Future Heritage student showcase at Grainger Market in partnership with Newcastle Council, Eldon Square, Newcastle College and Fenwick (date TBC).
Bristol
- 7pm on 29 September: BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel at M Shed featuring J.L-A.L’s Jean-Luc Ambridge Lavelle, moderated by Lena De Casparis, Deputy Editor, ELLE UK.
- Martin Parr Foundation street photography competition with guest judge Niall McDiarmid, with entries open until 13 September.
Nationwide
- To celebrate Mulberry’s return to London Fashion Week and Christopher Kane’s debut, the brand will livestream the show at its Regent Street and Edinburgh stores on Sunday 20 September.
- The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation will introduce Business by Design Online, a new free digital learning course designed to make fashion knowledge accessible to everyone, launching 1st September.
- eBay will run a series of eBay Lives to spotlight the best pre-loved luxury fashion on the platform. Headlining the programme is the return of Endless Runway on 17 September, followed by daily streams at 180 Strand.
- TONI&GUY clients spending £65 or more will receive a complimentary limited-edition gift inspired by LABEL.M’s runway heritage.
- Marks & Spencer will unveil its debut ‘see now, buy now’ LFW show.