One of the “big four” fashion shows that include New York, Milan, and Paris are London Fashion Week.
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The British Fashion Council was cast in a situation that some people thought was impossible. Out of respect to the queen, but also out of consideration to the show’s designers and other participants, how could the show continue? There was a special connection between the queen and London Fashion Week, and she sat in the front row with Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
“We are devastated to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign will be marked in history as one of the greatest,” the statement on the council’s website reads. Her Majesty’s effortless style, charm, and sense of fun was evident, and her passion in supporting young creatives will continue to inspire the next generation according to the statement. Will this year’s London Fashion Week go on?
Perhaps taking a lesson from the ever-pragmatic queen, the council may have landed upon the most practical compromise possible: the show will continue, but activities and events will either be scaled back significantly or rearranged for September 20. There will be no show related events on the day of the queen’s state funeral. A period of mourning will last for seven days. The British Fashion Council has asked designers to not release images of their collections until after this period is over. Parties and other non-essential events should be canceled out of respect for the monarch until then.
It’s fitting that Vogue announced that Burberry was leaving London Fashion Week as a mark of respect for the queen, because Anna Wintour mingled with the queen. “As the country enters a period of official mourning, we will pause during this time of great sadness,” the team said, according to Vogue Business. It’s possible that many others will bow out as well.
Since her death on September 8, fashion week participants have had a few days to evaluate how they should respond, and they are slowly but surely releasing information about their intentions. On Monday, September 19th, Edeline Lee was scheduled to give a presentation but she will hold appointments and host a runway show in February. The presentation will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on September 20. The queen’s presence is always felt even when the event’s schedule changes.
As the ground begins to settle under London Fashion Week, the council appears determined to keep the queen uppermost in their minds. The council encourages people to write a message of sympathy in an online memorial book, as well as flying union flags at half mast.
The memory of Queen Elizabeth will be celebrated as well. The British Fashion Council reported that Anna Wintour said that the queen’s joy and humor came around the room and lit it up.