2012-03-31

British Fashion Industry

Some compiled facts and info related to the British Fashion Industry, from The Edge Malaysia's Options pullout, page OP6 & OP7, dated Feb 27, 2012.

Fashion figures
The UK government acknowledge the significant role of ashion in its economy

The British fashion industry is worth about 1.7% of the UK's GDP, generating GBP21 billion (RM100.6 billion) in 2011, twice as much as the British car industry and equal to that of the food and beverage services and telecommunications industries.

Additionally, the UK fashion industry is estimated to support 816,000 jobs and is the largest employer of all the creative industries. The sector also provides opportunities to minority groups, and to a greater extent than most other creative industries.

Made in Britain has cachet again. It's shorthand for a certain kind of luxury.

Mulberry, which has always manufactured in the UK, has been given a GBP2.5 million grant to open a second factory in Somerset, which will create 250 skilled jobs. The fact that Mulberry can access the money is a reflection of the fact that the government acknowledges the role of fashion in the UK economy.

This season's London Fashion Week, held from Feb 18 to 22, 2012, saw a total of 59 runway shows and 24 presentations.

Topshop's 10 years sponsorship of LFW's up-and-coming NewGen designers, which is in its final year, will be renewed. "We need as much focus on the next generation of production talent as there has been on new design talent. My goal is to see if we can achieve in manufacturing and business what we have achieved in design and retail," Green says.

Stella McCartney's fabulous showcase, which didn't even feature a catwalk, more than reaffirmed her status as one of the most influential designers in the world if only for the guest list: Rihanna, Kate Moss, Jamie Hince, Yasmin Le Bon, Amber Valetta and Mario Testino were but a few of the famous people in attendance.

Autumn-inspired and altogether fun, the show was indicative of a new generation of designers who represent all that is unique about British fahion while being witty, clever and very exciting indeed.

Sir Philip Green - the British businessman who owns Arcadia Group, which has Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Topman under its umbrella.

Related Info:
Fashion Retail & Real Estates
Fashion Updates