LFW Welcomes Matthew Williamson Back

The British Fashion Council (BFC) and Matthew Williamson are delighted to announce the return of his mainline Spring/Summer 2010 collection to London Fashion Week this September.

His return (after seven years showing in New York) coincides with the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebration (25 years of the British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards) and the move of London Fashion Week to its new home at Somerset House.

Matthew Williamson continued to maintain a London base while showing his collections at New York Fashion Week. His close association with London was reinforced with the opening of his celebrated flagship store here in 2004 and by his return to London Fashion Week in 2007 to celebrate the label’s 10 year anniversary. The label continues to grow and expand on a global basis - recently opening stores in New York and Dubai.

Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman, said “We are delighted that Matthew has accepted our invitation to return to London this September and to help us celebrate 25 years of British Fashion.  Our schedule has a rich mix of iconic, established and new talent. The return of labels such as Burberry and Matthew Williamson will further strengthen the extraordinary showcase of innovative design during London Fashion Week”.

Commenting on the move Matthew Williamson, said “London Fashion Week has always been very special to me. I am proud to celebrate with the British Fashion Council in its 25th anniversary and return to showing in London this September. I am really excited to be part of a fashion week that will showcase such a wide breadth of talent with a new home at Somerset House”.

London Fashion Week will take place from 18th – 22nd September at its new cultural home, Somerset House. The move to a more centrally located and iconic venue is part of the council’s 25 year celebrations.  

A third British design house plans to announce their move to London later this month.

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Notes to editor

1.      The British Fashion Council (BFC) is a not for profit company limited by guarantee set up in 1983 to promote British fashion and co-ordinate this promotion through fashion weeks, exhibitions and showcasing events.

2.      London Fashion Week is organised by the British Fashion Council.

3.     The British Fashion Council is ‘Celebrating 25 Years of British Fashion’ throughout 2009.  This encompasses 25 years of the British Fashion Council, 25 years of promoting London Fashion Week and 25 years of British Fashion Awards.