The British Fashion Council (BFC) and Ascot Racecourse today announce that they are working together to showcase a selection of emerging designers and milliners at Europe’s premier race meeting, Royal Ascot 2011, and London Fashion Week (LFW). As part of a new partnership, Ascot Racecourse will be sponsoring the BFC’s Headonism initiative – hosting a showcase opportunity during the world famous Royal Meeting and supporting Headonism in The Exhibition at LFW from September 2011. This partnership reflects the British Fashion Council’s aim to support emerging British design talent, providing an additional showcasing opportunity to an audience of racegoers from around the world.
Headonism is a BFC initiative curated by Stephen Jones, celebrating the new wave of emerging London milliners. It was launched during the BFC’s 25 Year celebrations by Mayor of London Boris Johnson. The four up-and-coming milliners who will be showcased in the installation at Ascot are J Smith Esquire, Noel Stewart, Piers Atkinson and Soren Bach.
Todd Lynn, winner of the BFC Fashion Forward initiative, will be showing his ready-to-wear collection at the Royal Ascot Fashion Show in the Bessborough Restaurant. He will showcase his spring/summer ‘11 looks in a daily catwalk show alongside Amanda Wakeley, Julien Macdonald, Vivienne Westwood and international acclaimed milliner Stephen Jones.
Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, comments “We are delighted to be partnering with Ascot Racecourse to support the BFC’s Headonism initiative. The race meeting at Ascot is a fantastic showcase of fashion that is watched by the world, and we’re sure this partnership will promote interest in Britain’s emerging milliners amongst a brand new audience.”
Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse comments. “Millinery is an integral part of fashion at Royal Ascot. We are delighted to be working with the British Fashion Council to support a new generation of millinery”
Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th June 2011.
Image: Harold Tillman CBE & Charles Barnett