Harrogate Fashion Week organisers have announced the event’s next instalment could take place as soon as August.
Its SS21 edition, originally due to take place 27-27 July, has been postponed because of the coronavirus crisis. Now, following demand from buyers, directors Sarah Moody and Wendy Adams are considering running it from 23-24 August.
“This has been such a difficult time for every business,” comments Moody. “Spring/summer is such an important season in the buying calendar and missing it for an entire year could dramatically effect our exhibitors and boutiques. Buyers are expressing they’d feel safer visiting a more intimate and focused show. We feel this puts HFW ahead of some of the larger events.”
The government’s second phase of relaxing the lockdown should see most boutiques re-opening from in June. Adams says this should help the team “have more confidence to announce a final decision.”
She says: “There are still a lot of decisions and planning to take place, as most importantly we need to ensure the safety of both our exhibitors and visitors attending. But we do feel we can make this possible with the help of Harrogate Convention Centre.”
Despite the catastrophic effects the lockdown has posed on the industry, brands say there’s still a need for exhibitions. Paul Tate from Tate Fashion and LIzabella Group comments: “I feel a niche show would be better for the safety of all. I’ve always supported Harrogate Fashion Week and it will provide us with the ability to socially distance and also show the full detail of our collections.”