BFC unveils London Fashion Week schedule with returning big names, newcomers and special events

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the provisional schedule for London Fashion Week (LFW) that will take place from 17-21 September.

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And the body’s CEO Laura Weir said the season “marks an exciting moment for London Fashion Week, with the return of leading British brands alongside an exceptional new generation of creative talent. The schedule reflects the confidence and momentum of British fashion today, bringing together established houses, emerging designers and industry partners on a platform that continues to shape global fashion. Together, they reaffirm London’s position as the global home of creativity and a catalyst for innovation, opportunity and growth”.

As we already know, two key brands are returning to the schedule with McQueen seeing Seán McGirr’s London debut showcasing both men’s and womenswear SS27 collections, while Mulberry will be back after several years as Christopher Kane presents his debut collection for the house that’s now returning to the RTW category. 

Other key names that will be showing include Barbour, Burberry, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Harris Reed, Richard Quinn, Roksanda and Simone Rocha. And vanguard designers Aaron Esh, Ashley Williams, Chopova Lowena, KNWLS, and Paolo Carzana will also stage shows.

Francesca Lake, Gui Rosa and Petra Fagerström will make their LFW debut as recipients of BFC Newgen.

Fashion East will be back on the schedule “following the recent announcement that the BFC has committed further investment in the talent support scheme in recognition of the crucial role they play in the talent pipeline”. And there will be a showcase from Birmingham City University as part of the aim to highlight emerging talent.

Also new to the schedule this time will be British menswear label Geordie Campbell, plus Joyce Bao, Indian label Lovebirds and demi-couture brand Onalaja.

Aside from the main catwalk events, J.L-A.L will debut its SS27 collection as an immersive presentation followed by an afterparty to mark the release of its collaboration with Puma. Paul Smith Foundation American designer-in-residence 5000 “is set to unveil its new collection through an immersive sound bath, creating a multi-sensory experience where fashion, art and music converge”.

Retailers at LFW this time will include M&S making its LFW debut; Dover Street Market hosting a jewellery showcase in-store; H&M will “present a bold reconceptualisation of the fashion show experience, collaborating with photographer Nick Knight and SHOWstudio for a special event”; eBay returns with Endless Runway, LFW’s pre-loved runway show, shoppable via eBay Live; and Selfridges spotlights LFW brands.