Highstreet Fashion Week

Retailers in Oxford Street are forecasting a £140 million increase in sales in the run-up to

London Fashion Week thanks to the West End’s very own Highstreet Fashion Week.

This week, various high street brands have been hosting open retail events on London’s Oxford Street. Selfridges, H&M, River Island, New Look and John Lewis are some of the few names unveiling new collections and hosting live catwalk shows and trend workshops.

Highstreet Fashion Week is an open-to-all event centred on the buying public. Despite residual industry scepticism, there have been positive reactions to the event with enthusiastic onlookers gripped to scenes of parachuting stunt models as part of the event’s launch.

Today will see clothing retailer New Look launch its Autumn/Winter 2010 footwear campaign and Japanese casual wear designer Uniqlo will judge a Disney-inspired design competition.

New Look’s campaign will unveil a collection ranging from casual day footwear through to smart courts and glamorous party shoes. Highlights will include wedges trimmed in faux fur; shearling edged stiletto boots as well as audacious spiked heels.