# Can you take the 'London' out of London Fashion Week?

> A new initiative aims to decentralize British fashion by nurturing talent outside the capital, but London's dominance may be harder to shake than expected.
- Title: Can you take the 'London' out of London Fashion Week?
- Summary: A new initiative aims to decentralize British fashion by nurturing talent outside the capital, but London's dominance may be harder to shake than expected…
- Keywords: london fashion week, fashion britain, british fashion council, decentralization, regional talent, manchester, birmingham, edinburgh, charles jeffrey, priya ahluwalia, fashion industry, creative industries
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cklyjz20pd22o
- Published: 2026-09-22T09:27:28.716+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: london fashion week, fashion britain, british fashion council, decentralization, regional talent, manchester, birmingham, edinburgh, charles jeffrey, priya ahluwalia, fashion industry, creative industries
## London Fashion Week goes nationwide
The British Fashion Council launched Fashion Britain to open up the industry beyond the capital, with pop-up events across England, Wales and Scotland during this year's London Fashion Week.
## London generates half of UK creative output
A House of Commons report found that 51% of the creative industries' economic output came from London in 2022, though creative clusters exist in cities like Manchester and Leeds.
## You don't need London to make it
Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey says amazing education happens everywhere, and practical resources like cheap fabrics are now easier to find outside London as the rag trade has declined.

> There is so much amazing education that happens in different places
## Regional cities offer unique creative voices
Young designers say cities like Birmingham bring different perspectives and aesthetics. Imarnie Bennett believes Birmingham is becoming noticed for its distinctive approach to fashion.

> Even colours, some cities are brighter and warmer than others
## Technology is reshaping job opportunities
Designer Sean Pajarillo is optimistic about future prospects as technology and fashion merge, creating new career paths that don't require being based in London.

> The merging of industries is what's going to create new opportunities
## Fashion Britain offers regional infrastructure
The British Fashion Council plans to connect regional talent with mentorship, retail routes and support from global businesses working across the country, not just in London.
## London will stay the centre
Designer Priya Ahluwalia says London will remain fashion's hub even with decentralization, and talented people still need support to travel there and access opportunities.

> London is still going to be the centre of UK fashion
## Work ethic matters more than credentials
Charles Jeffrey says a university degree helps but isn't essential. What matters most is the work itself and the commitment to building a career in fashion.
## Key takeaway

Fashion Britain wants to build regional talent pipelines with mentorship and retail access, but London will likely remain the industry hub even as opportunities spread across the UK.