Henry Holland Wins BFC Fashion Forward Sponsorship

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Fashion Designers, Fashion Shows, News,

Henry Holland is "delighted" to have been awarded sponsorship through the British Fashion Council's Fashion Forward scheme.

The 28-year-old designer - who was joined by fellow womenswear creators Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou and menswear designer James Long in receiving the prestigious accolade - will receive a cash prize to assist him in showcasing collections for the next two consecutive seasons at London Fashion Week.

"I'm delighted to be receiving Fashion Forward sponsorship. It is a huge accolade for the brand and I am excited about what the future holds."

Established six years ago to provide funding to emerging British design talent, the BFC's Fashion Forward sponsorship has previously been awarded to the likes of Christopher Kane, Giles Deacon, Jonathan Saunders and Erdem.

LFW and NYFW Agree on Dates

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Fashion Shows, News,

Dates for London and New York Fashion Weeks have changed in order to avoid a schedule conflict. NYFW will now take place from September 6 until September 13 this year while London will immediately follow from September 14 to September 18.

Moving LFW one week earlier than normal will help to avoid a clash with Milan Fashion Week which kicks off on September 19. "Both committees remain committed to finding a long term solution that would see a confirmed Fashion Season where brands and designer businesses in all four fashion capitals (New York, London, Milan and Paris), can plan for the long term and when exceptional circumstances arise there is dialogue and empathy to find a solution that works for all," said a statement from the British Fashion Council.

Steven Kolb of the Council of Fashion Designers of America added, "We've been back and forth on this. People are anxious and need to know the dates. There's no value for the cities to compete. In the spirit of working together, London and New York are in agreement that we will go in the earlier period, but with the hope that the four cities will come out of this confusion and work together to plan future show weeks. We need to begin to look at the fashion season not as individual fashion weeks, but very much as a global business."

British Fashion Council Nominates Victoria Beckham

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Celebrities, Fashion Designers, Fashion Shows, Models, News,

A Spice Girl finally receives credit for her hard work: Victoria Beckham has been nominated for a British Fashion Council award.

The pop star-turned-fashion designer launched her label in 2008 to rave reviews and now her work has paid off as she’s been shortlisted for the BFC’s Designer Brand of the Year award, taking on fashion heavyweights such as Mulberry, Burberry and Pringle.

Victoria shows her twice yearly collections during New York Fashion Week but the brand is designed and made in London. Since its launch the mother-of-three’s collections - which focuses on simple dramatic - have become a huge hit and her creations have been seen on stars from Jennifer Lopez to Elle Macpherson.

Phoebe Philo, who has transformed French fashion house Celine into one of the industry’s most sought-after labels, has been shortlisted for the Designer of the Year, alongside Erdem and Christopher Kane while Lara Stone is nominated for Model of the Year. Harold Tillman, Chairman of the BFC commented that the diverse nominees reflected the “incredible vision and breadth of talent that British designers offer.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on December 7.

Sass and Bide Plan UK Anniversary

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Fashion Designers, Fashion Shows, News, Women,

Sass and Bide will celebrate its 10th anniversary at London Fashion week.The quirky Australian clothing label will return to the British fashion scene this September to pay tribute to the city where designers Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton founded the business idea.

The designers said: “Ten years ago the concept for Sass and Bide was born in London. To be returning here ten years later, showing in a city that we love so much and that fuels our creativity, is really exciting.”

The Sydney-based pair—whose celebrity fans include Lindsay Lohan and Russell Brand—will host their show on Friday September 18 at 7:15pm in central London.

As well as marking the label’s landmark birthday, London Fashion Week will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary. British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman said he and his colleagues are “delighted” about the joint celebration. He explained:

“We are delighted that Sass and Bide will show their collection in London this season. The company has built a strong international following over the past decade and they are a great addition to our schedule as we both celebrate landmark anniversaries.”