Cancellation of June London Fashion Week: A Shift Towards Menswear Opportunities

The BFC has cancelled the June edition of London Fashion Week, focusing on a Paris showcase to enhance commercial opportunities for British brands. Outgoing CEO Caroline Rush aims to boost menswear visibility through a targeted showroom strategy. Previous editions saw reduced exposure, prompting the need for this strategic shift to support the fashion community.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has cancelled the June edition of London Fashion Week, redirecting focus to commercial opportunities for British brands through a showcase in Paris from 26 June to 1 July. Outgoing CEO Caroline Rush aims for this showroom to help designers generate sales and enhance international relationships outside traditional show environments.

After reintroducing the Paris showroom in September 2024 for the Spring/Summer 2025 season, the BFC is reconsidering its support for emerging brands. Notably, a pop-up London Fashion Week Shop opened on Regent Street in February, featuring brands like Ahluwalia and Nicholas Daley.

Launched as ‘London Collections: Men’ in 2012, the June edition evolved into London Fashion Week Men’s in 2017, attracting brands like Alexander McQueen and JW Anderson. The event switched to a co-ed format in June 2020, adapting to global trends and presenting digitally during the pandemic.

In the wake of diminishing exposure and smaller showcases, many brands felt London was losing its commercial viability. Consequently, the BFC plans to revitalise menswear efforts in June, focusing on a showroom approach and a digital-first strategy to collaborate with global buyers and media. Rush states this shift aims to bolster British menswear amidst ongoing industry challenges.

The cancellation of the June London Fashion Week aims to provide stronger commercial opportunities for British brands through the Paris showroom. By honing in on menswear and utilising a digital-first approach, the BFC seeks to address the concerns of designers regarding viability in the evolving fashion landscape. This strategy reflects a commitment to supporting British menswear amidst global challenges.

Original Source: www.voguebusiness.com