The British Fashion Council (BFC) has confirmed that it will cancel the June 2025 edition of London Fashion Week. Instead, it will focus efforts on its LONDON show ROOMS in Paris. This move is intended to create stronger commercial opportunities for British fashion designers, particularly in menswear.
Why London Fashion Week’s June Edition Was Cancelled
The BFC’s decision to cut the June edition isn’t sudden. In recent years, the mid-year event has lost momentum. Fewer designers showed collections and international attention declined. In short, the week was no longer delivering commercial value.
Caroline Rush, the outgoing CEO of the BFC, explained that shifting resources to Paris would provide designers with better access to global buyers and media.
“We’re creating a space where designers can grow commercially — without the pressure of staging full-scale runway shows.”
What Will Replace the London Shows?
From 26 June to 1 July 2025, the BFC will host a curated showroom event in Paris. Known as LONDON show ROOMS, this initiative connects British designers with international industry professionals.
The format will be digital-first, combining physical appointments with virtual tools. This will help emerging labels reach buyers who might not attend traditional fashion weeks.
A History of the June Edition
June’s fashion week originally launched in 2012 as London Collections: Men. It became London Fashion Week Men’s in 2017 and played a key role in spotlighting UK menswear.
In its prime, it attracted names like Alexander McQueen, Craig Green, JW Anderson, and Wales Bonner. But by 2023 and 2024, the number of participating brands dropped sharply. Even talented designers like Ahluwalia, Saul Nash, and Martine Rose couldn’t turn the tide.
What This Means for British Menswear
Some designers have voiced concerns that menswear is being overlooked as the February and September editions of LFW become fully co-ed. The BFC’s Paris strategy addresses that issue. It aims to build a focused space where menswear brands can thrive commercially — without competing for attention at larger events.
The BFC also plans to continue experimenting with formats like pop-ups and cultural exhibitions. These approaches are less expensive and more flexible than traditional runway shows.
A Smarter, Leaner Fashion Strategy
This shift is part of a wider trend in the fashion industry. More brands are choosing sales-first strategies over flashy shows. As a result, events like LONDON show ROOMS may become the new normal for smaller labels looking to grow sustainably.
“Scaling back doesn’t mean stepping back,” Rush added. “It means building smarter foundations for British fashion in a challenging market.”
British Designers Still Have a Global Stage
While London Fashion Week’s June edition is gone — for now — British fashion isn’t fading. Instead, it’s evolving. The move to Paris gives designers a better chance to build international relationships and secure orders in a tighter economic climate.
And as fashion continues to shift toward hybrid and digital formats, the BFC’s strategy may become a blueprint for others to follow.
