What’s the buzz from across the pond? On the second day of London Fashion Week, those designers who got everyone talking went their own very eccentric way–whether that be upcycling at Christopher Raeburn, haute frayed denim at Marques’Almeida, wacky knits at Sister by Sibling, or racing sophistication at Thomas Tait.
LONDON–Remember that teaser for The September Issue where the voice-over would say, “Fashion is $500 billion global industry…” or something like that? Well, it looks like the UK makes up about a tenth of that $500 billion.
At least according to a new study commissioned by the British Fashion Council. Fancy-sounding consultants Oxford Economics researched and wrote the report, which states that £37 billion is made–directly or indirectly–from fashion each year in Great Britain. That’s not too shabby, given the size of the country. In fact, fashion is the 15th largest industry (out of approximately 81) in the UK.
The results are a boon to those like designer Christopher Raeburn, who produces much, if not all, of his product here in the UK. Fashion’s importance to the economy reinforces his mission.
Smack in the middle of Men’s Fashion Week, the British Fashion Council has announced its NEWGEN menswear class of Spring 2011.
Much like the womenswear recipients, announced June 10, the ten designers will be afforded the opportunity to show their Spring 2011 collections at London Fashion Week this September. And along with £5,000 – £10,000 towards their show costs, they’ll receive free exhibition space, usage of the BFC catwalk and mentoring.
Christopher Shannon, James Long, and JW Anderson will use stage runway shows; Carolyn Massey, Lou Dalton, and Sibling will do presentations; and Christopher Raeburn, James Small, Katie Eary, and Omar Kashoura will create installations.
British fashion never ceases to impress me. Sure, it’s creative, but the amount of attention that’s paid to craftsmanship is what really makes it distinctive. Earlier this week at the London Show Rooms–a sort of trade show set up by the British Fashion Council to introduce under-the-radar designers to buyers Stateside–I had the pleasure of Read more →
