MANILA, Philippines - Fashion is one of the UK’s most vibrant and creative industries catering to both the High Street and the high end of the market. Renowned for its inventiveness and creativity, the British fashion industry has a long, proud and diverse history. Many of the world’s key fashion trends, past and present, stem from Britain.
Today, Britain is home to leading designers of all types of menswear, women’s wear, childrenswear and babywear, who export their products worldwide. It is also a leading center for the manufacturing of clothing and high-quality fabrics, as well as a global hub for fashion retailing.
The British Embassy, in association with SM, recently held the launch for the British Fashion Month at SM Aura Premier. It is part of “This is Great Britain,†a five-month-long celebration of the best of British business and culture.
The event showcased seven British fashion brands: Marks & Spencer, Lee Cooper, River Island, Warehouse, Clarks, Speedo, and T.M. Lewin.
“The UK has long been a playground for designers to unleash their imagination, inspiring others with their creations and defining iconic periods. From mod to punk, from High Street to high fashion, from office to everyday casual wear, British fashion has been adopted and adapted throughout the world,†says British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad.
He adds, “Shopping is a national passion in the Philippines and I am happy to see British brands doing well here. Wherever I go in the Philippines I see people wearing clothes that are inspired by British fashion. Union Jack flags on T-shirts, jeans, fascinators for a special event, or mini-skirts that recall the influence of Carnaby Street in London. During British Fashion Month, you will see British creativity and design trends that have a global following on display in the SM Malls.â€
Ambassador Ahmad, along with Australian Ambassador William Tweddell and his wife Chris graced the event together with the British Embassy’s charge d’affaires Trevor Lewis, First Secretary Steph Lysaght, Second Secretary Colin Glen, and the United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) director Iain Mansfield. SM’s vice president for marketing and communications group Millie Dizon and SM Aura Premier mall manager Carlos Vilchez welcomed them.
The showcase of British fashion brands will also tour the SM Premier Malls after the SM Aura Premier run: at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM City North EDSA.
The best part is that shoppers can avail of exciting discounts, gifts with purchase, and fun promotions from participating brands during the event. Simultaneously, the British Embassy Manila will run an online contest that will give the public a chance to win prizes from participating brands.
“This is Great Britain†is co-presented by SM and Fox International Channels. “Great†sponsors are Surface Technology International, Lee Cooper, GSK, Jaguar/Land Rover, Pru Life UK, Marks & Spencer and Fil-Anglo. Event sponsor for British Fashion Month is The Body Shop.