Oxford Street to host High Street Fashion Week

From 7-11 September, the eyes of the fashion world will be on London’s Oxford Street as it cements its fashion credentials to host the world’s first High Street Fashion Week, on Oxford Street. On the eve of London Fashion Week, High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street sees retailers including M&S, Next, Office, River Island, Selfridges and other top stores joining forces to celebrate the eclectic mix of trends and fashions that can only be found on the UK High Street.

Jace Tyrrell, Head of Communications at New West End Company, says: “This is the first time ever that a fashion week has been made so accessible to the public. With the UK leading the way for high street fashion, there is no where better to showcase this than on Oxford Street, the UK’s most famous high street”

To kick start proceedings, British popstar Alesha Dixon today was officially crowned High Street Fashion Queen and the first ambassador for High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street. In the months leading up to High Street Fashion Week, 100,000 West End shoppers were asked to vote for their favourite high street fashion icon. With thousands of votes being placed Alesha came out top of the poll to be the official face of High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street.

Jace Tyrrell adds, “We wanted shoppers to play an integral role in the development of High Street Fashion Week and by doing this we gave them the chance to vote for their favourite celebrity fashion icon. We are thrilled that Alesha won the public vote, she is the perfect fit.”

Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, says, "The British High Street is one of the strongest in the world and plays a vital role in the British fashion industry. As we prepare to celebrate 25 years of the British Fashion Council and London Fashion Week in September we are pleased that High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street is joining the celebrations and supporting the high street, retail industry and its diverse talent."

To put out the sartorial red carpet for shoppers from London, the UK and overseas, Oxford Street retailers will be taking part in a week long calendar of fashion events. Retailers will be taking part in an exclusive Fashion Exhibition to showcase a key outfit styled for High Street Fashion Week from their A/W 09 collections, in a specially allocated area in store. All looks will also be available to view on www.highstreetfashionweek.com. These looks will then appear in a Pop-Fashion Show at a secret location in London’s West End.

Sally Scott, Marketing Director at Selfridges says, "Selfridges has been championing the best of high street fashion and the best designerwear for decades. We know our customers come to Selfridges for this diversity in our fashion offer. We are, therefore, happy to support High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street. This is a great initiative and an exciting opportunity to celebrate the creativity and energy of high street fashion".

Gordon Richardson the Topman Design Director says, “Oxford Street encapsulates everything that is desirable about high street fashion right now and there's never been a more exciting time in men's fashion. High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street is a fantastic way to celebrate Europe's largest shopping street and showcase our latest AW09 Topman LTD collection with its discreet style and simple, paired-down aesthetic.”

High Street Fashion Week, on Oxford Street proves that there is no better place to shop than London’s West End. To view the official calendar of events visit www.highstreetfashionweek.com

Image: Alesha Dixon