London Fashion Week introduces nationwide events as it celebrates 40 years
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has launched an expanded version of its consumer facing City Wide Celebration (CWC) with the programme of events extending to Manchester and Newcastle for the first time.
CWC is a programme of over 1,000 unique experiences and activities open to the public from over 350 brands throughout September, taking place in London, Manchester and Newcastle.
The celebration highlights the "very best of British city culture" while cementing the country’s status as a "leading fashion powerhouse" during London Fashion Week’s 40th anniversary year.
The programme will support and promote retail across the UK while driving the fashion conversation forward through industry wide participation and partnerships.
Events include designer Q&A sessions, workshops around zero-waste craftsmanship and upcycling, live music performances, and limited-edition product drops.
Renowned shopping destinations such as Covent Garden in London, Selfridges in Manchester and Fenwick in Newcastle will kick off celebrations in each city, offering a series of activations.
London Fashion Week's principal partner, 1664 Blanc, which is taking over London’s Covent Garden Piazza with its ‘EXPLORATIONS IN BLUE’, will also allow guests to grab a limited-edition print available from LFW designer Tolu Coker, explore ‘Le Journal Bleu’ a bespoke commemorative newspaper that celebrates 40 years of LFW and enjoy a pint of 1664 Blanc with a professional photographer there to capture shots for everyone.
Caroline Rush CBE, CEO of British Fashion Council, said: "As we celebrate 40 years of London Fashion Week presented by 1664 Blanc, we are very excited to extend our LFW City Wide Celebration across the UK for the first time.
"BFC is committed to supporting retail and our brilliant network of designer businesses not only in London but across the UK and we are really looking forward to witnessing Manchester and Newcastle come to life with their own programme of events throughout September.
"LFW has continually been a pioneer when it comes to opening up its doors and inviting consumers to participate, enabling brands and businesses to connect to customers through cultural moments and events is core to its impact. Our principal partner 1664 Blanc has enabled us to extend this even further by opening up LFW all year with their fantastic lineup of events."
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, added: "For 40 years London Fashion Week has been the engine room of our trailblazing, rule breaking, world leading fashion industry. London is where generations of designer talent have burst onto the world stage and the capital is where you can discover the tastemakers of the future.
"In a fitting celebration of four decades, this City Wide Celebration will also honour the dynamic interplay between fashion and grassroots music. London Creates Music X London Fashion Week will spotlight fantastic underground gigs across the capital, as we build a better London for everyone."
Read TheIndustry.fashion's features on what you need to know about this London Fashion Week and what does the future of London Fashion Week look like?