London News

SOS London Fashion Week

Tuesday, 9th September 2008

Updated on Monday 8th September
Written by Zara Eck

The world’s leading fashion heads have been called to an summit in the capital this week to try and rescue London Fashion Week from American invasion. The talks come as something of an emergency after the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced plans to push previews back for February 2009 – a move that would result in London losing two important days of its showcase.

The changes are in response to New York designers who want more time to complete their collections but for London, already the underdog when it comes to catwalk shows, it could be disastrous, especially as 2009 is to be the memorable 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week. Head of CFDA, Diane von Furstenberg, acknowledged the stress being caused but refused to take the blame:

“I can't be the villain in this. I am financing a British designer, Nathan Jenden, who shows in London, and all my design team is English.English fashion is incredibly influential. But I can't go back.”

She was, however, quick to point the finger elsewhere, saying that “frankly, the ones who are really dictatorial are Italy”. Back in the city that lays claim to such talents as Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood, the British designers are putting on a brave face.

If push comes to shove, says Harold Tillman, owner of Jaegar, London “will put on four days, and it will be the best four days anywhere”.