London Fashion Week to ignite "cultural moment" with new concept for June edition

London Fashion Week is aiming to ignite a "cultural moment" in the capital with a new format for its June edition, focused on menswear, that includes a takeover the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) involving an exhibition, panel discussions and other cultural events.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled the plans as part of a year-long celebration marking 40 years of London Fashion Week (LFW40). Its aim is to provide a platform for diverse British designers and brands with a focus on the depth and breadth of menswear businesses in the UK.

In collaboration with three guest curators for the ICA takeover, the BFC will explore Black culture centred around self-love; South Asian culture with focus on pattern, textile and craftsmanship; and queer culture, with a spotlight on young creative voices from the trans community. To celebrate LFW40 there will be a retrospective installation showcasing the success of LFW and the important role it plays globally at the intersection of culture.

This will be complemented by the “40 for 40” schedule, with a line up of 40 activations hosted by leading British brands and designers across the city including; catwalk shows, presentations and events. The BFC will also take over the Groucho Club on Sunday 9 June to provide designers and brands with "a dynamic activation space".

British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush said: “As we continue our celebrations of LFW40, we are thrilled to share a new concept for LFW June which will amplify our designers and promote the diverse menswear businesses, from streetwear to Savile Row, as well as retail in the city. We will celebrate and pay homage to some of the cultures which contribute so much to the UK fashion industry, the aim is to build on this with different cultures each year.

"The new format is a direct result of the conversations we are continuously having with the BFC community (designers, media, UK and international retailers). We want to ensure we are recognising the business needs of our designers and providing them with a global showcasing platform which is both relevant and beneficial. This iteration of LFW is a really exciting opportunity to future proof and innovate the UK’s fashion showcasing capabilities and highlight the city’s point of difference during Men’s fashion month. We look forward to launching this new format with the support of 1664 Blanc.”

Main image: A Robin Lynch menswear design shown at London Fashion Week, February 2024

Read our recent retrospective on the most memorable shows in the history of London Fashion Week here: 40 Years of LFW: The runway shows that cemented stardom