Alternative Fashion Week

Following a hectic London Fashion Week, it will soon be Alternative Fashion Week 2005's turn. AFW runs from 14-18 March, although this time the show will move to Truman Brewery from Spitalfields Market, where it was held for over a decade.

AFW, which runs from 14-18 March, will feature 60 designers showcasing their creations on the catwalk, while another 50 will be selling their designs at the Fashion Market. In the past, the Fashion Market has proved to be an excellent and affordable catalyst for designers, with stalls costing a mere GBP10 per day to rent. It's especially good for new labels like last year's Ruby Two Shoes, who use it to launch to the public.

This year the organisers have managed to land Swatch as a sponsor for the second time in a row. The company will be backing both The Face of Swatch, a model competition with Premier, and an Individual Designer Award, a College Award and Swatch Aid - a package including one sewing machine, 4 dress stands, GBP1000 and a masterclass with a designer, who is yet to be confirmed.