DECEMBER 2007

Next year, Fashion Fringe celebrates its fifth anniversary – quite a milestone in any new enterprise but especially so in the volatile and insecure fashion world.  The last few years have fully justified my dream of helping to sustain and strengthen London as a fashion capital – and especially one that believes in the value of young designers.  Fashion Fringe has currently added five new labels to the BFC schedule: Basso & Brooke, Sinha-Stanic, Erdem, Modernist and Gavin Douglas (whose limited edition products – including a washbag and tote – are available now in selected branches of Superdrug) and Rubecksen Yamanaka, who show with On/Off.  This year’s winner, Aminaka Wilmont, will be on sale worldwide at Net-a-Porter.com and in Concrete, London, from February, which is an impressive beginning to any career.

None of this would have been possible without the support not only of sponsors but also well-wishers from many sources. And it isn’t just to do with money, vital as that is. For example, we are delighted that Elie Saab, one of Fashions most noted couturier, has invited Gavin Douglas for a two-week internship, to help (and learn!) during the creation of the Saab Couture collection to be shown in Paris in January. By the time you read this Gavin should be working hard in Beirut in the Saab ateliers.

We have recently received the Fashion Fringe 2007 Media evaluation, prepared each year by an independent analysis company. This year, our total positive audience reach was 53.1 million, with positive PR value of over £2.2 million. The socio-demographic breakdown is overwhelmingly A/B of whom the age demographic is predominantly 35 – 44.

All of this provides a very encouraging platform for next year and the future of Fashion Fringe. We have several new initiatives in the pipeline, which we will be revealing in 2008 but the most important thing is to do our bit to help strengthen London as a Fashion capital.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

Colin McDowell
Creative Director, Fashion Fringe

• Further information can be found at  www.fashionfringe.co.uk
• Fashion Fringe is supported by: