The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) accompanied more than 140 UK brands to the January 2024 edition of Paris Men's Fashion Week, Held from January 17 to 22. A mix of UK brands presented their collections at tradeshows including Man, Tranoï, Welcome Edition, and Who’s Next as well as at multi-brand showrooms including The Alphabet, Awaykin, Claret, Emma Jones Consultancy, and Rainbowwave.
Welcome Edition hosted 18 different UK menswear brands with Gloverall, Grenson, Invertère, Peregrine, and Uskees showing for the first time. The Alphabet and Awaykin also had strong UK representation. The Alphabet had 9 UK brands across two venues including Denzil Patrick and Yuhan Wang whilst Awaykin is in a new location on Rue Réaumur with 10 UK brands. Who’s Next, Impact, and Bijhorca all also returned at la Porte de Versailles with 17 UK companies.
UK highlights at Paris Men's Fashion Week FW 24-25:
Coco Barclay
Independent handbag at Who’s Next: “We aim to be as environmentally responsible as possible. We manufacture in the U.K. We are offering many vegetable-tanned leathers for our next collection. Our offcuts are recycled into smaller leather goods, which we sell in shops, including our own, around the U.K.”
Eudon Choi
London-based contemporary womenswear designer showed the Pre-fall 2024 collection at Paper Mache Tiger: “The Pre-fall 2024 collection draws inspiration from the innovative and unconventional art movement, Mono-Ha, meaning ‘School of Things’. Rooted in a radical departure from conformist artistic practices, the late-1960s movement seeks to establish a symbiotic relationship between natural and industrial materials, reframing the dialogue between art and the surrounding environment.”
Jo Gordon
Luxury knitwear designer at Welcome Edition: "My appreciation for good-making never changes: I love things that are made honestly and function well."
Laura Pitharas
Originally from Yorkshire, the London-based designer returned to Emma Jones Consultancy Showroom with her twist on classic men’s tailoring: “Laura often refers to her brand as "menswear for womenswear", she aims to make women feel their best through understated elegance. We have been selected by the BFC to present our AW24 collection as part of DiscoveryLab this upcoming February London fashion week and look forward to showing at Emma Jones Consultancy Showroom for the third time.”
Leem
The brand that specializes in modest wear for contemporary women returned to the Emma Jones Consultancy Showroom: “Leem is the ultimate destination for contemporary fashion that seamlessly blends elegance and sophistication with the latest trends. Our mission is to curate stylish pieces designed exclusively for today's fashion-conscious women. Each seasonal collection is culturally inclusive catering to our diverse global audience. Explore our collections featuring versatile maxi dresses, chic separates, and cozy knits. Leem is where modern style meets timeless elegance."
Ouers
The women’s footwear brand showed at Tranoi: “Oeurs elevates women's footwear by harmoniously blending revered craftsmanship with enduring design. Each pair symbolizes empowerment, subtly challenging the often unseen disparities in traditional fashion production. By pioneering techniques usually reserved for men’s shoes, Oeurs introduces an exceptional level of artistry and quality to women’s footwear. Our ethos: 'Stride with gentle power' captures the essence of our traditional yet innovative approach.”
One Hundred Stars
The independent womenswear brand returned to Who’s Next: “One Hundred Stars is an independent womenswear brand that specializes in creating innovative prints inspired by historical influences. Key to One Hundred Stars ethos is their ethical and sustainability promises, following the highest industry standards across their entire production processes. Favored by celebrities and stocked by key department stores across the world this family-run British brand is one to watch in 2024.”
Uskees
The brand showed at Welcome Edition for the first time: “For a rich and fulfilling life, Uskees create classic workwear-inspired staples, underpinned with color and functionality for all-day, everyday wear. The brand aims to minimize waste and encourage a deeper and longer relationship with your garments and supports this with free repairs, deadstock initiatives, and buy-back schemes.”
Wax London
The London-based brand showed at Welcome Edition: “Wax is a London-based brand born out of a desire to make great clothes with character and integrity. Drawing inspiration from vintage and modern shapes, we weave in texture, pattern, and print to create more than just clothing but pieces full of personality. Wax is about celebrating the uniqueness of the individual. Our purpose is to offer elevated pieces that inspire confidence and self-expression.”
UKFT is looking forward to meeting buyers and press wishing to connect with UK exhibitors and businesses at the different trade shows and showrooms. UKFT’s Discover British Brands in Paris map and social media campaign highlighted the range and quality of UK companies showing in Paris this season.
“The UK has been at the forefront of quality fashion for centuries," said director of International Business at UKFT, Paul Alger MBE. "Today’s UK fashion industry builds on this impressive heritage with a contemporary outlook and the same quintessentially British approach to style. The sector is dynamic and committed to exports, supported by quality textile manufacturing throughout the UK. UKFT is proud to bring a strong and diverse group of British menswear, womenswear, lingerie, and accessories to Paris Fashion Week, supported by the Department for Business for the AW24/25 season.”
For more information visit ukft.org.
Photo: Uskees
