The British Fashion Council is delighted to announce that on 14th June 2012, HRH The Prince of Wales will host a reception at St James's Palace to celebrate the launch of London Collections: Men - a brand new showcase of British menswear, style and culture that will run until Sunday 17th June.
The reception will provide a unique opportunity for international and UK media, retailers and style influencers to network with London’s menswear designers and businesses in magnificent and uniquely British surroundings.
London Collections: Men will promote the breadth of British menswear design to a global audience embracing heritage brands, iconic designers and emerging talent as well as championing British craft, skills, textiles and HRH's campaign for Wool. Spearheaded by Dylan Jones, editor of GQ, a Fashion 2012 Menswear Committee spanning British style and culture is curating the three day event to celebrate the worldwide impact of British talent in menswear. The event will combine shows, presentations, exhibitions, events and digital programming for a global trade and consumer audience.
Harold Tillman CBE, Chair of the British Fashion Council, said “It is a great honour to have the support of HRH the Prince of Wales to launch London Collections: Men and champion British menswear and culture.”
The Hospital Club will become the central hub for London Collections: Men. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the venue will provide a space for presentations, events, screenings and lounges across the three day showcase. UK and International media and buyers will be given access to the on-site facilities including lounges and meeting spaces.
Sue Walter, CEO, The Hospital Club, says, “The Hospital Club prides itself on being the essential hub for London’s creative industries, and I’m thrilled that we are hosting this exciting new event in 2012. I believe London Collections will entertain, inspire and stimulate our members and the wider community, and endorse the Club’s position as London’s most dynamic space for creative collaboration."
Over 55 designers have been confirmed to participate in London Collections: Men include iconic British designers Margaret Howell and Paul Smith, heritage brands such as Aquascutum and Savile Row tailors including Richard James and E. Tautz. Paul Smith and Tom Ford will host events during this period. London’s emerging designers will be showcasing including MAN and NEWGEN MEN designers, both of which are sponsored by TOPMAN. The TOPMAN Design show, Fashion East and Fashion Forward designers will also showcase.
London Collections: Men will form part of Fashion 2012, a central platform under which the industry is able to showcase and celebrate British fashion. It will provide a core focus for the industry and a calendar of the major fashion events and activities throughout London’s Olympic year. For further information on Fashion 2012, please visit www.fashion2012.co.uk. The Fashion 2012 Menswear Committee includes Alex Bilmes, Esquire; Christopher Bailey; Dan Stevens; David Furnish; David Gandy; David Walker-Smith, Selfridges; David Walliams; Elizabeth Saltzman; Evgeny Lebedev; Gordon Richardson, TOPMAN; Harold Tillman CBE; Imran Amed, Business of Fashion; Jeremy Langmead, MR PORTER; Jo Levin, GQ; Lulu Kennedy, Fashion East; Marigay McKee, Harrods; Richard James; Simon Fuller; Stephen Ayres, Liberty; Tim Blanks; Tinie Tempah; Tom Ford and The Mayors Office.
London Collections: Men will take place 15th-17th June 2012 at The Hospital Club, 24 Endell Street, WC2H 9HQ.
For regular updates on the London Collections: Men programme visit: www.londoncollections.co.uk/men
Designer wishing to participate in London Collections: Men please contact:
Katie Bain at the British Fashion Council
Katie.bain@britishfashioncouncil.com
+44(0)20 7759 1978
For more information contact:
Gemma Ebelis at the British Fashion Council
Gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com
+44 (0) 20 7759 1986
Image: J.W. Anderson AW12 at London Fashion Week February 2012