Manchester is set to host a series of Fashion Britain events throughout September, including a week-long takeover at the Trafford Centre, as the British Fashion Council (BFC) brings its city-wide programme to the city for the first time.
The events form part of a nationwide programme featuring over 1,000 events across the UK, with Manchester's bespoke celebration aiming to recognise the city's unique relationship with fashion and decentralise British fashion beyond London.
Highlights of the Manchester programme
Among the highlights will be a Warehouse Project fashion and music culture pub quiz at the Star and Garter on September 12, followed by DJ sets with special guests. A week-long The House of Fashion takeover at the Trafford Centre will feature styling and inspiration sessions as well as a special fashion show.
Coinciding with Manchester Fashion Week, which runs from September 9 to 12, a Northern Quarter Mash-up event will celebrate the area's independent stores and creative culture, with in-store activations at venues including Afflecks, BOUND and Nudie Jeans. A The Big Swap x Susty Club pop-up will also feature pre-loved and vintage fashion from independent businesses.
Cultural and community events
A BFC x ELLE UK panel at Manchester Art Gallery on September 12 will feature designer Aitor Throup, who was raised in Burnley and studied at Manchester Metropolitan University. Moderated by Naomi Pike, Throup will reflect on how Mancunian culture and education impacted his design journey.
“It’s an honour to be working with the British Fashion Council on the brilliant Fashion Britain project,” Aitor said. “My own journey into fashion happened only because of my upbringing in Burnley, Lancashire - which made it an obvious decision for us to hold our retrospective there last year. We must keep finding ways to celebrate, cultivate and support the future of Britain, which is more often than not far beyond the city walls.”
On September 12, a guided tour of Chris Zhongtian Yuan's solo exhibition 'Two Improvisations' will be held at the esea Contemporary gallery, showcasing how personal histories, subcultures and marginalised communities sit within broader narratives.
Additional events and exclusive offers
The programme also includes a showcase of original collections created by young designers from Salford Youth Zone and Hideout Youth Zone using deadstock and surplus textiles. Luke-Matthew Iveson, from The Great British Sewing Bee, will curate a Sewing For Strangers runway demonstrating fashion's positive social impact.
On September 24 and 25, from 9am to 9pm, Lovisa in the Arndale and at the Trafford Centre will offer an exclusive piercing event with personalised consultations, a 20% discount on premium piercings and a complimentary goodie bag with each piercing purchase.
Laura Weir, Chief Executive for the British Fashion Council, said: “I am incredibly excited for the launch of Fashion Britain this September. British fashion has always been shaped by people - their local identities, global perspectives, creative disciplines and the communities that shape culture from the ground up.
“It’s vital that we recognise, celebrate and invest in talent wherever it exists across the UK. Fashion Britain is about decentralising fashion, by creating stronger pathways for creativity, opportunity and growth in every part of the country.
“Manchester is a city I have always loved and I’ve had some of my best nights out there, so it feels particularly exciting to be bringing Fashion Britain to the city and to celebrate the creativity and culture that makes it so special. That is why we are collaborating with leading cultural institutions alongside over 100 of our designer members to build a stronger, more connected future for British fashion.”
Fashion Britain will also see events in Bristol, London, Newcastle, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Dundee, with the full line-up available online.
