BFC announces nationwide talk series with designers as part of City Wide Celebration

The British Fashion Council has today announced it is launching a series of talks and panel discussions in different UK cities as part of its City Wide Celebration (CWC).

Under the title of ‘At Home With’, and presented by 1664 Blanc, the talks – set to take place in Liverpool, Manchester, London and Newcastle in September - will put the spotlight on the cultural and geographic roots of some of Britain’s most celebrated designers.

The series supports a new strategic direction set out by new British Fashion Council CEO, Laura Weir, "to decentralise British fashion from London" and spotlight creative excellence across the UK.

CWC brings together designers, retailers, cultural institutions, and premium hospitality venues to celebrate the very best of the UK.

Designers and brands taking part in the talks include Patrick McDowell, S.S. Daley, Aaron Esh, Matty Bovan, Nadine Merabi, Kazna Asker, Talia Byre, Barbour, Labrum London and The Winter House.

London Fashion Week is taking place from 18-22 September 2025 and, though one of the talks is in London (on 21 September), the ‘At Home With’ series aims to celebrate the impact of British fashion beyond the capital, "championing regional talent and engaging local communities".

​​The series also complements the recent announcement of the BFC Fashion Assembly - a pilot initiative conceived by Sarah Mower, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent – which will see a creative education programme launch in schools nationwide from 2026.

The ‘At Home With’ series will kick off on Saturday 6 September (3pm – 5pm) at Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at Liverpool ONE, with designers S.S. Daley, Patrick McDowell and Talia Byre moderated by curator, academic and designer, Andrew Ibi.

It will be followed by a talk on Saturday 13 September (1pm – 3pm) on the Orient Stage at Manchester’s Trafford Centre, with Nadine Merabi, The Winter House, Matty Bovan and Kazna Asker, moderated by Emma Davidson, Fashion Director of Editorial and Partnerships at Dazed.

Then 180 The Strand in London will be the location for a talk on Sunday 21 September (12.30pm – 1.30pm), with Aaron Esh and Labrum London, moderated by Hetty Mahlich, Editor of SHOWstudio.

Finally, the talks will culminate at Eldon Square, Fenwick Newcastle, on Tuesday 30 September (6.30pm – 8pm) with Barbour, moderated by Paul Toner, Deputy Editor of 10 and 10 Men.