DALLAS, Jun 3, 2002/ FW/ --- It's official! London will kick-off the Spring 2003 fashion season and will be followed by New York. London Fashion Week will be held from September 12th - 17th and New York dates has been slated for September 18th - 23rd.

On the announcement of the new dates, both the CFDA and the British Fashion Council emphasized that this is a one time date change. Next season, (Fall 2003), New York will resume its place as the city which starts the international fashion season. The date change was necessitated by the first anniversary of 9/11.

The new dates also shortens the New York Fashion Season to 6 days. Traditionally held for 8 days, cutting the New York season by 2 days was necessary to minimize the impact on the Milan fashion season.

Milan Fashion Week is scheduled on September 23 - October 1. With the new dates, there is a one-day conflict between New York and Milan.

"On behalf of the many designers showing both men's and women's collection in New York and with regard to these extraordinary times and difficult circumtances, we have agreed to reduce Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week from its usual 8 days to 6, necessitating one day of shows coinciding with Milan," commented Fern Mallis, Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on the date change.

"We are particulary grateful that the British Fashion Council has responded with compassion and understanding and hope that the CNMI in Milan understands that we no other alternative without conflict this season," she added.

Talks between New York and London about changing their fashion season dates started about two months ago as plans for the 9/11 commemorative events began to unfold.

Early on, it became clear that it will be a weeklong remembrance and not just one day of ceremonies. The request for changing the fashion season date came from the office of Dan Doctoroff, New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding.

The British Fashion Council, through its Chairman Nicolas Coleridge in a show of solidarity with New York agreed with the date change.

"We are pleased to be able ot put in place a solution that will enable all designers to put on their collection without infringing on the important first anniversary of September 11th," quoted Mr. Coleridge on the announcement.

"In times such as this, it is imperative that the fashion industry shows solidarity and support for their colleagues worldwide," he added.

Peter D. Arnold, Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America noted, "The CDFA is pleased that the issue raised by September 11th and considered by the small group of industry leaders which met last April to discuss possible scheduling alternatives has been resolved.