London might widely be considered the home of British fashion, but many of the UK\u2019s most iconic designers hail from far beyond the M25. Vivienne Westwood (Tintwistle), Daniel Lee (Bradford), Paul Smith (Nottinghamshire), Zandra Rhodes (Chatham), Christopher Kane (North Lanarkshire), Jonathan Anderson (Magherafelt): the list goes on. Likewise, roughly 85% of Britain\u2019s textile manufacturing takes place outside London. And yet, the city remains a make-or-break place for the industry\u2019s designers. That\u2019s great for Londoners; less so for the scores of creatives who live in other regions and struggle to gain access. \u2018Too often, fashion has been a London-centric story,\u2019 the British Fashion Council\u2019s CEO Laura Weir said in a speech last autumn. <\/p>\n
Now, Weir is working to change the narrative with the launch of Fashion Britain, a new initiative to foster a more connected, accessible and geographically diverse British fashion ecosystem. A nationwide series of events will take place this September \u2014 across Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Bristol \u2014 set to create opportunities for creatives to gain access to the world of fashion. <\/p>\n
As part of the programming, ELLE UK is partnering with the BFC on its National Designer Panel Series, staging talks across the UK with designers who are local success stories, offering exclusive access for ELLE Collective members<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u2018Fashion Britain will build a unified moment for participation. We want the public to see themselves in fashion, and to connect the nation to this potent, powerful and economically crucial industry,\u2019 says Weir.<\/p>\n The programme launches as an increasing number of independent brands move operations outside the capital due to rising costs (84% of the nation\u2019s fashion companies are currently based in the city) and local coalitions such as Fashion Alliance North, established last year at The Leeds School of Art, work to support rising designers and creatives.<\/p>\n Those leading the groundswell of support to shift focus beyond London point to increased access to education, healthier local economies, more sustainable supply chains, and meaningful diversity and inclusion. <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s about creating an even playing field and recognising that there are fabulous designers and an industry outside London,\u2019 says knitwear designer and Central Saint Martins lecturer Berni Yates.<\/p>\n Fashion Britain will give the public a preview of what a decentralised industry could look like. It will also highlight the parts of British fashion\u2019s story that rarely get told: that there\u2019s a whole world of talent and creativity across the nation \u2013 a new generation of future Vivienne Westwoods and Paul Smiths waiting to be seen.<\/p>\n ELLE Collective is a community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well as the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE<\/a>.
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