Louise Gray suspends label

London-based fashion designer Louse Gray has confirmed that she will not be showing a Spring/Summer 2014 collection this September during London Fashion Week as she has decided to suspend her own label for two seasons to “consult for

other labels and designers”.

“It has not been an easy decision to step away from my own label, but at the same time, against the backdrop of a tough economic climate, I didn’t want to jeopardise a business that I have worked so hard to build,” said Gray. “I’m looking forward to working on design and consultancy projects for major brands, as well as collaborating with my friends in London.”

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Gray announces two-season break from LFW

The designer, who is also looking to “explore artistic interests outside of fashion”, also added in the short statement that she does plan to continue designing and hopes to show at London Fashion Week again in the future.

While there hasn’t been any confirmation on which labels and designers she will be working with, the designer has previously collaborated with Topshop, Brora, Cotton USA, the Smiley Company and Barbie, and she also counts a host of designers including Christopher Kane, Henry Holland and Richard Nicoll as friends.

The Glasgow School of Art and Central Saint Martins graduate has made herself a highlight of the London Fashion Week schedule with her eponymous label, which has become renowned for its fun and colourful aesthetic, which plays with colour and texture.

Commenting on the news, BFC’s ambassador for emerging talent, Sarah Mower, said: "Louise Gray's uniquely colourful wit has lit up the London runway in a way that brings an irrepressible sense of fun to British fashion. Her creative spin on the world and the way she connects with young girls’ mentality makes her a hot property for any brand looking to speak to that market.

“Her proven track record in delightful consultancy work for Topshop make-up and Brora makes me certain she'll be continuing to add her fun to fashion in many ways."

Gray showed at Fashion East before securing Newgen and Fashion Forward sponsorship, she made her first solo catwalk London Fashion Week appearance in September 2010 for Spring/Summer 2011.

Image: Louise Gray AW13 at LFW