LONDON FASHION WEEK GATHERS MOMENTUM FOR SEPTEMBER 2006

London, UK, (August 1, 2006) -- An exciting Spring/Summer 2007 fashion collection season lies ahead for London Fashion Week. While the catwalk schedule is still being confirmed, preliminary plans indicate that there will be a captivating, innovative and well-rounded schedule of events in September.

 

Iconic British designers like Paul Smith, Betty Jackson and Jasper Conran will remain the anchors of London Fashion Week.  They will be joined by an exciting group of designers that has emerged over the last years and is beginning to conquer the international fashion scene like Jonathan Saunders, Giles Deacon and Preen (celebrating their 10th anniversary this season). To complete the picture, London will be showcasing its renowned New Generation designers. This year’s participants are particularly promising and include the already much talked about Marios Schwab, Gareth Pugh, Todd Lynn and Christopher Kane.

 

Biba - quintessential London fashion label from the 1960s and 1970s has re-launched with new ownership after 30 years.  The ready-to-wear collection designed by Bella Freud will be shown on the London catwalk for the first time. Another high-point is expected to be the Zandra Rhodes show. One of the major forces in propelling London to a leading position in the international fashion arena in the 1970s, Zandra Rhodes will be showing at LFW for the first time in 20 years.  The guest showing of the Emporio Armani collection, along with the launch of the Emporio Armani RED capsule collection to benefit the Global Fund is another highly anticipated event.

 

Plans for the Exhibition @ LFW are also shaping up very well, with a focus being placed on attracting some new names like Orla Kiely and Allegra Hicks as well as hosting themed spaces. Estethica, a 100sqm showcase for fashion designers who are also ethical reflects a growing trend towards increased social responsibility. Additionally, the Exhibition will be welcoming a space displaying highlights from the U.S show Designers & Agents.

 

The venue for London Fashion Week will remain the Natural History Museum. Significant improvements will be made to the BFC show-tent for a lighter, more inviting and contemporary feel.

 

Commented Hilary Riva, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council: “There are many reasons to look forward to September’s LFW. The catwalk schedule is looking particularly strong. With that diverse mix of established designers, strong new designers and emerging talent, I’m expecting to witness the innovative and exhilarating London we are all proud of. “

 

London Fashion Week will be taking place from September 18th – September 22nd at the Natural History Museum.  The Exhibition @ LFW will take place from September 19th - September 22nd.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Ilaria Alber t. 0207 543 4682

Olivia McCall t. 0207 544 3616