London Fashion Week set for £100m take-off

Ahead of London Fashion Week taking over venues across the capital from Friday, a business group has hailed its importance to the city’s economy.

Collections of British favourites such as Jonathan Saunders, Burberry and Christopher Kane will take centre stage as the eyes of the global fashion world turn to London once more.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) highlighted the importance of the fashion industry to the capital and its position on the global fashion scene.

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the LCCI, said: “The fashion industry is one of the jewels in the crown of the London economy and London Fashion Week is proof of the capital’s international status within the sector.

“Twice a year the biggest names in the industry and the worldwide press flock to the capital, contributing millions to the economy and ensuring London retains its reputation as one of the fashion capitals of the world.”

London Fashion Week contributes £20m to the capital’s economy in terms of direct spend, according to event organisers the British Fashion Council (BFC).

The biannual event features 50 or so catwalk shows on the official schedule and another 45-plus off-schedule. It is estimated that orders in the region of £100m are placed during the event each season, according to the organisers.

The BFC’s Value Of Fashion report recently revealed that the direct value of the UK fashion industry to the UK economy is £21bn. Figures from Precise also showed that UK media coverage each season now exceeds £100m.

On the fashion front, designers championed by the Duchess of Cambridge are also expected to create ripples over the course of the week, contributing to a “Kate-effect”. One such designer is London-based Erdem after Kate was seen wearing the designer’s creations.

Jane Bruton, editor-in-chief of Grazia magazine, predicted a vintage season.

She said: “Every season London Fashion Week raises the standard that it set six months before.

“It always seems impossible, but our home-grown talent manage it every time. I’m looking forward to seeing what Jonathan Saunders and Mary Katrantzou have to offer this season, as the print masters are currently our most talked-about designers not only here, but internationally too.”

London Fashion Week will run from September 16-21.