London Fashion Week

The British Fashion Council announced that the next London Fashion Week, sponsored by the Evening Standard, will be held from Sunday 13th to Thursday 17th February in Battersea Park. The change of venue follows a decision in September by the Planning Inspectorate that it is not lawful for events such as London Fashion Week to be held at the Duke of York's Headquarters without specific planning permission. Planning applications for future events to be held at the Duke of York's have been submitted, but their outcome will not be known until after the February event.

Commenting on the move, BFC Chairman, Stuart Rose said, "We have known for some time that it might not be possible for London Fashion Week to remain at the Duke of York's indefinitely. It is our strong wish to return to the King's Road, but until our application is considered by Kensington & Chelsea Council, we have no choice but to move."

BFC Deputy Chairman, Anne Tyrrell, added, "We have done extensive research into alternative venues for February. Locating in Battersea Park enables us not only to duplicate the exhibition layout we have used successfully for the last few seasons at the Duke of York's, but also presents us with the opportunity to have two on site show venues. Although Battersea Park is less than a mile from the Duke of York's, we will also be laying on a fleet of vehicles to ensure that press and buyers experience the minimum inconvenience getting to and from Battersea - so it will be very much business as usual."

London Fashion Week catwalk shows will run from Sunday 13th to Thursday 17th February 2005. The Exhibition atLondon Fashion Week will be open from Sunday 13th February until Wednesday 16th February.