News:

Battersea Park Plays Host to London Fashion Week Fall 2005 Season
By: Javier Mateo

LONDON, Jan 10, 2005/ FW/ --- Even the fashion world has to follow the planning commission! London Fashion Week is moving to Battersea Park this coming season to comply with a ruling by the Planning inspectorate.

According to the announcement by the British Fashion Council, “The change of venue follows a decision in September by the Planning Inspectorate that it is not lawful for events such as London Fashion Week to be held at the Duke of York’s Headquarters without specific planning permission.”

Though planning applications for future fashion weeks to be held at the Duke of York’s have been submitted, their outcome will not be known until after the February event.

“We have known for some time that it might not be possible for London Fashion Week to remain at the Duke of York’s indefinitely. It is our strong wish to return to the King’s Road, but until our application is considered by Kensington & Chelsea Council, we have no choice but to move,” commented BFC Chairman Stuart Rose in a statement.

Though not the first choice by the BFC, the relocation to Battersea Park is not a bad move. According to BFC Deputy Chairman, Anne Tyrrell, extensive research had been done to find alternative venues for the Fall 2005 season.

“Battersea Park enables us not only to duplicate the exhibition layout we have used successfully for the last few seasons at the Duke of York’s, but also presents us with the opportunity to have two on site show venues,” Tyrrell said.

Located less than a mile from the Duke of York’s, Battersea Park transportation between the two locations had been arranged during fashion week to ensure that press and buyers experience the minimum inconvenience getting to and from Battersea.

London Fashion Week catwalk shows will run from Sunday 13th to Thursday 17th February 2005. The Exhibition @ London Fashion Week will be open from Sunday 13th February until Wednesday 16th February.