After Burberry, Raf Simons is latest to cancel LFW show on death of Queen

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Sep 9, 2022

Raf Simons has become the latest designer to cancel his London Fashion Week Show following news that Burberry wouldn't go ahead with its own show. Simons had been due to show on 16 September, with Burberry a day after.

The cancellations come following the death of Queen Elizabeth and the UK entering a period of official mourning until after her funeral that’s expected to happen in around nine or 10 days’ time.

It means two of the biggest attractions for LFW won’t be on the schedule.

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In a statement, Raf Simons said: “We will pause during this time of great sadness. We will take this time to respect the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years on the throne. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and the people of the Commonwealth. We will continue to keep you updated on our future plans for the Spring/Summer 2023 collection.”

It's likely that more cancellations could happen in the days ahead.

Only this week the British Fashion Council had sent out a release detailing the “city-wide celebration” that LFW would be from 16-20 September with “a curated programme of unique experiences and promotions open to the public”, as well as the shows attended by the trade.

But it’s making the week much more low-key now and also said that “all British Fashion Council (BFC) communication channels will be paused or dedicated to the impact and influence of Her Majesty The Queen”.

It said the content from designers showing at London Fashion Week “will be accessible to global audiences via the London Fashion Week website and our online media hub after the period of mourning. All British Fashion Council social channels will promote the excellence of creativity of those showing at London Fashion Week at this point”.

“All non-core business events on the official schedule should be cancelled or postponed, for example parties, openings etc,” it added.

And it said shows due to take place on the as-yet-unknown date of the funeral should be rescheduled.