Need to know: London Fashion Week

What is it?

London Fashion Week (LFW), which finished yesterday, is one of the most high-profile fashion events in the world, according to its organisers the British Fashion Council (BFC).

As well as the 59 catwalk shows that take place, there is also an exhibition that gives independents a chance to sell goods. More than 5,000 visitors are expected over the week, from more than 25 countries.

The BFC says the event “puts London and British fashion firmly on the global stage”, and helps generate orders of about £100m. The event also contributes £20m to the London economy in terms of direct spend.

Why is it important to retailers?

Fashion retailers send designers to LFW to draw inspiration for their own collections, while department store groups may strike deals with brands that they want to partner with.

Traditional brands such as Jaeger show collections, but increasingly multiples such as Topshop and Topman are using the event to show their own collections in an effort to push their fashion credentials. WGSN retail director Lorna Hall says: “LFW is a useful vehicle to try out trends and the PR halo created is incredibly important.”

Retailers feed back into the event, says Hall, by supporting young designers and providing sponsorship, such as Topshop’s support of the BFC’s New Generation scheme, which nurtures emerging designers. Tesco, Monsoon and Mulberry are also sponsors of LFW.

What’s different about it this year?

The event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has changed location from the Natural History Museum to Somerset House, on the Strand. Burberry has returned to the event this year and it is also the first time there has been a dedicated menswear day.

How does it compare with other fashion shows?

London is counted as one of the big four catwalk events of the year, along with Paris, Milan and New York. London, along with Paris, has traditionally been seen as the more daring and creative of the fashion weeks, with Milan and New York seen as the more commercial events.

However, under the management of BFC’s chairman Harold Tillman, LFW has grown in stature. “London’s going through a bit of a renaissance,” says Hall. “It’s at the top of its game. One of its strengths is finding the right balance of new blood and established businesses.” One indicator of London’s resurgence is the fact that Anna Wintour, US editor of Vogue, will be attending this year. “It’s a very big deal,” adds Hall.