London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers
British actor Damian Lewis and US singer Alison Mosshart pose upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
After New York, the fashion world descends on London from Friday, showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names of the future.
Last year's event, billed as a comeback after disruption due to the Covid pandemic, was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and 10 days of national mourning.
This year, more than 80 designers are set to present their spring/summer 2024 collections, with around 50 catwalk shows and other presentations.
"It's going to be five really exciting days full of creativity," said Caroline Rush, chief executive of organizers the British Fashion Council (BFC).
Fashion bible Vogue rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night for a gala launch event.
But in the world of fashion, London is enduring a post-Covid slump, with inflation — the highest in the G7 at 6.8 percent in July — and Brexit combining to create a depressed economic backdrop.
That has left the British capital trailing Paris, Milan, and New York in the fashion week stakes.
In a sign of its loss of influence, even British former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has crossed the Channel to present her designs in Paris since last year.
Fresh UK funding
On Wednesday, the UK government announced £2 million ($2.5 million) to support young designers, which will go to the BFC's existing NewGen program.
The scheme, which over the last 30 years has supported the best young fashion designers, aims to launch the high-end global brands of tomorrow.
The UK government funding will go towards the staging of five fashion weeks over two years, said the BFC.
Previous recipients include the legendary Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010.
On Saturday, the Design Museum in London is presenting an exhibition celebrating young NewGen talents, and the energy they have brought to the industry.
