The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced that London Fashion Week will continue after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“London Fashion Week is a business-to-business event and an important moment for designers to showcase their collections at a specific point in the fashion calendar, we recognize the work that goes into this moment,” it said in a statement of the BFC on Thursday, which is available to the British news platform The Independent.
The BFC said shows and presentations of the collections can continue but recommended events such as openings or parties should be avoided as the UK enters a 10-day mourning period for the Queen.
Burberry cancels fashion show
As fashion week continues, British luxury giant Burberry has decided to cancel next week’s show as a “show of respect”.
A spokesperson for the brand told The Independent: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. As a mark of respect, we have made the decision to cancel our Spring/Summer 2023 runway show, which was due to take place in London on September 17.”
Other British fashion companies announced store closures on Friday as a show of respect, including handbag maker Mulberry and department store chain Selfridges.
The Queen passed away on Thursday at the age of 96 after a 70-year reign. Buckingham Palace said in a statement Thursday night: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
The fashion world honors Queen Elizabeth II.
After the news was announced, the fashion industry took to social media to join in support for the royal family and the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an extraordinary woman who has inspired generations through her dedicated service throughout her life. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and we join those around the world who are mourning their loss,” Mulberry said on social media.
“We are very saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of the Stella McCartney team, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the royal family,” said Stella McCartney.
“The Queen is rendering a national service. Every morning she has breakfast, most days her outfit is already set for her royal appointment – shaking hands, making speeches. Every institution in our country wants their recognition and appreciation. Your life is prescribed. The royal family as an institution is the social cement. The queen holds the country together. She is a figurehead of international diplomacy. I think it’s so important that our royal family is hereditary, that family members learn diplomacy through osmosis and develop a sense of obligation to our country and the world. We all owe her our gratitude,” said Vivienne Westwood.
This translated and edited post was made with the help of Rachel Douglass and previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk