We spoke to industry experts to find out why Leeds is the fashion capital of the north
The fashion industry in Leeds is bigger and better than ever before
Megan SlackThis week saw the debut of Leeds International Festival which highlighted more than ever that the fashion industry in Leeds is on the rise. Following in the footsteps of Leeds RAG Fashion Show, the festival hosted 25 fashion shows throughout the weekend, including a chance for independent designers and university students to showcase their work.
The Tab went behind the scenes of ‘The Fashion Space’, to find out what makes Leeds so appealing in the world of fashion and what the future holds for this growing city.
Sam, PR Manager
What attracts the fashion industry to Leeds?
Leeds is a Northern City and it’s roots enable it to be the home of vibrant and creative thinking. There is creativity all over the city. The position also means that it rivals Manchester and this competition is urging the cities growth in fashion especially. The history of Leeds is important because it has a strong heritage in the textile industry which has always been here. Now it is about bringing out those valuable roots and making them stronger.
What do you think the future holds for fashion in Leeds?
It’s only going to get bigger and bigger. It is important that we nurture local talent and keep them in Leeds and show them that to make it big in the fashion industry, they don’t necessarily need to leave Leeds.
Sharon Brigden, Director of Fashion in Leeds
What attracts the fashion industry to Leeds?
Leeds is an incredibly vibrant, cosmopolitan city which is also renowned for it’s culture. The talent of the universities and support from Leeds BID has also helped make this event a success and is allowing the fashion industry to grow.
What do you think the future holds for fashion in Leeds?
Fashion in Leeds is going to expand so much that Leeds will not only be known for fashion around the UK, but around the world. The industry has developed over hundreds of years from it’s textile heritage which gave the city a strong starting point. Also, it is not only just about the clothes as hair and makeup is thriving in the city too.
Leeds International Festival also saw numerous fashion icons visiting the city, including designer Katie Eary who has collaborated with Kanye West, fashion designer Christopher Raeburn and Claudia Croft who is the Fashion Editor at The Sunday Times.
Katie Eary in The Fashion Space on Briggate.
The fashion shown this week during Leeds International Festival has highlighted that Leeds is rapidly becoming a worldwide name for fashion. If it’s good enough for Katie Eary, it’s good enough for anyone in the fashion industry. With a number of other significant fashion events planned throughout the year, one thing is clear, the only way is up.
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