When it comes to the busy buying season, Harrogate Fashion Week (HFW) has quickly established itself as a must-visit in the UK fashion calendar. With its beautiful setting, buzzing atmosphere and an ever-growing line-up of brands, it’s easy to see why buyers from across the UK and beyond return season after season. Here’s what keeps them coming back…
1. Fashion, footwear and everything in between – all under one roof
Harrogate Fashion Week is one of the most complete womenswear buying destinations in the UK. This August, more than 250 brands will showcase collections across womenswear, footwear, accessories, occasionwear—and now lingerie and swimwear—making it a one-stop-shop for planning your SS26 range.
“We enjoy coming every season because I can get everything I need,” says Pennita Wilshire, owner of Pennita Helmsley in York. “Three days makes the buying experience more relaxed and enjoyable and allows me to plan without feeling rushed. I love the show!”
Buyers will find a broad and balanced mix of returning favourites — such as Lizabella, Lily & Me, Carol C Collections, Carla Ruiz, Kevan Jon, Alice Collins, Peruzzi, Pinns, d.e.c.k by Decollage and Accessories by Park Lane — alongside new and exciting names including Fynch Hatton, Joules, YOKONO, My Doris, Marina V Paris, Comme Ca, Teva, Sonia Pena and Hartwell. It’s a curated showcase that appeals to every kind of boutique and retailer.
2. Set in a spa town for the perfect work/life balance
The Ivy HarrogateHarrogate offers a picturesque and relaxing backdrop to a busy buying trip. With elegant historic buildings, scenic parks and a mix of vibrant bars, stylish restaurants, boutique hotels and cosy cafés, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the show. Everything is within walking distance of the Harrogate Convention Centre, allowing buyers to easily unwind after a full day of appointments.
3. Easy to get to, hard to miss
Centrally located and well connected, Harrogate is simple to reach whether you’re travelling by rail, car or plane. Trains from major cities arrive frequently, Leeds Bradford Airport is a short drive away, and there’s ample parking nearby for those driving in.
“What a great show – there are lovely brands each time we come,” says Pauline Spiers, owner of Catwalk Fashion in Falkirk. “We travel down from Scotland to buy each season and the show is well worth the trip.”
To make travel and accommodation even easier, the HFW website offers exclusive discounts on rail fares and hotel stays—perfect for turning a buying trip into a weekend away. “We turn the buying into a weekend away together,” adds Ally Elouise, owner of Elouise Boutique in Treorchy, Wales.
4. Big brands to inspire your new-season edit
HFW attracts major names in fashion, with each season’s line-up bigger than the last. For August 2025, the show will welcome top-tier brands including NYDJ, Rino & Pelle, Godske Group, Ozai, b.Young, Ichi, Fransa, Numph, Kaffe, Marta du Chateau, Soyaconcept and Barbara Lebek.
Whether you’re after established names or trend-led collections, HFW brings the very best under one roof—making it the ideal place to place confident, comprehensive buys.
5. Discover the ones to watch
Alongside household names, Harrogate is also the place to discover up-and-coming labels and future favourites.
“It gets better every year,” says Rose Hooton, ladieswear buyer at Cordings London in Piccadilly. “There are new brands each season – we love coming to Harrogate to do our buying.”
With debut collections and emerging names in the mix, it’s the ideal setting to find that next must-have label before your competitors do.
6. The Sunday night summer party
After a packed first day, HFW buyers and brands gather at golden hour for the Summer Party – an informal evening of drinks, canapés, music and conversation. With Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, beers, nibbles and a summer soundtrack, it’s a great way to network, celebrate and catch up with industry peers in a relaxed setting.
7. A show that feels like a community
What truly sets Harrogate Fashion Week apart is the atmosphere. Buyers consistently praise the friendly, welcoming feel of the show and the professionalism of its organisation.
“Out of all of the shows, HFW stands out,” says Solo Boutique’s Jill Campbell. “All the brands I buy are here so I don’t need to visit any other shows. Both buyers and brands are so well looked after and it always runs like clockwork. I know that it is always worthwhile making the trip.”
With its friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere, HFW makes doing business feel effortless. The organisers genuinely care about the industry – and it shows in every detail.
Harrogate Fashion Week returns for its thirteenth edition from 3–5 August 2025. Buyers can register now for free fast-track entry via the website, where you’ll also find the latest exhibitor line-up and exclusive hotel and travel discounts.