A hundred local businesses are being sought to back next year’s Bath in Fashion Week, which was launched today with Michael Jackson’s costume designer Michael Bush as guest of honour.
The ambitious plea for business backing was made at this morning’s VIP preview for next year’s festival, which will again be presented by the Bath Improvement District (BID) in conjunction with Bath Tourism Plus.
The festival will highlight the city’s burgeoning fashion credentials and those attending today’s event got a chance of a sneak preview of the Michael Jackson costumes which will form part of the display next year.
American Michael Bush, pictured, worked for the King of Pop for more than 25 years and today showed off some of the world-famous jackets he designed for the singer and, of course, one of the single gloves he wore. Mr Bush – and the clothes – will be back in Bath again next April as one of the many attractions on offer at Bath in Fashion 2013.
This year’s Bath in Fashion showcased two of British fashion’s most influential and inspired big names, shoe designer Manolo Blahnik and milliner Stephen Jones.
Speaking at today’s VIP launch at Bath’s Hall and Woodhouse restaurant, chair of Bath in Fashion Sarah Mansfield said: “After this year’s event we had calls from a number of towns and cities asking how to do a Bath in Fashion-style event and could we do one for them!
“The answer was no. Not only would we not tell them how Bath does it but we don’t think that any city can do what we do – and that is, work together in the most amazing way across businesses and sectors to achieve shared goals. To position and promote Bath as one of the most stylish places in the UK and to help build our businesses… and the businesses of those around us.”
She urged local companies interested in taking part in next year’s event, the fourth, to sign up as quickly as possible, giving a taster of some of the show’s highlights – including visits by Sir Roy Strong, former director of the V & A museum and the National Portrait Gallery, and Bath fashion author Iain R Webb.
An exhibition of the work of photographer Norman Parkinson is also promised, curated by fabulous French fashion designer Roland Mouret who created the iconic Galaxy dress. He is visiting the city today, being shown around possible venues and locations.
Other highlights will be a return of the popular Vintage Fashion Day, a fashion career advice day lead by Louise Pickles from Bath Spa University and a selection of celebrity guests who will be hosting their favourite films at Bath’s Little Theatre Cinema.
- Bath in Fashion 2013 will be held in the week beginning April 15. For more information, see www.bathinfashion.co.uk
