Not a fashion editor or retail buyer? Not a problem. In light of the growing public interest in fashion, for another season, London Fashion Week is opening its doors to the end customer with a ‘City Wide Celebration’ organised by the British Fashion Council. While the front row will be reserved for fashion insiders, everyone and anyone will have the opportunity to take part in a curated programme of unique, free and engaging experiences happening in a number of locations spread across the city from 17th - 21st February.

With exclusive live music performances, workshops around Zero-Waste craftsmanship and upcycling, limited edition product drops, in-store events and designer Q&A sessions, the celebration unites fashion lovers across the city; moving the fashion conversation forward through public-wide participation. A positive step towards making fashion more accessible and widening representation, the initiative will encourage fresh perspectives and fuel London’s reputation as a melting pot of different cultures and ideas.


Design duo palmer//harding are setting up shop at Because HQ during the event. “We really wanted a way to connect with our customers more and the City Wide Celebration was a great way for us to do that,” says Levi Palmer, who co-founded the brand back in 2011, alongside Matthew Harding after they met at Saint Martins in 2007. Few designers could maintain such a reputation based on brilliantly cut shirts, but palmer//harding’s line of wearable luxury wardrobe staples blend function and finish; making them one of the most desirable contemporary British brands out there - even after over 10 years in the business.

palmer//harding exciting new collection of elevated cotton shirting and dresses will be available to browse and buy during the City Wide showcase. “This season, we have added crinoline, typically a couture finishing, to our sleeves and hemlines so that our flounces really stand out.” Creating dramatic shapes that reference blooming flowers, the pair are known for experimenting with innovative pattern-cutting and draping techniques. Over fashion week shoppers will get the opportunity to encounter the brand’s tactile, voluminous garments in person.



Off the back of its recent Career Achievement Award from Fashion Group International, and another stylish endorsement from long-time brand champion Michelle Obama (who wore palmer//harding for her first public speech after leaving The White House) the brand has expanded its offering with hopes to reach more people with its beautiful approach to everyday wear.


Other brands participating in the event include Shrimps, Edeline Lee, Galvan, Feng Chen Wang and Rixo.

You can explore the rest of the City Wide Celebration schedule here. And discover more about which events to attend and exclusive promotions to take advantage of across the city…