Harrogate Fashion Week pushes event back to 2021

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 9, 2020

Harrogate Fashion Week has cancelled its summer edition due to a lack of clarity over when large events such as trade shows will be able to resume.

The event was initially scheduled to take place on 26-27 July and later postponed to 23-24 August.

“It has been a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly as HFW wants to support the fashion industry through these difficult times,” Harrogate Fashion Week Directors Sarah Moody and Wendy Adams said.

Their comments suggested that sluggish interest in the summer edition also influenced the decision. Clothing stores are expected to reopen from 15 June under new government guidelines but businesses are facing a multitude of challenges, including mountains of excess stock, closed fitting rooms and quarantined returns. 

“For the brands to invest in shows when it is going to be an extremely short and difficult season, with some shops not wanting to buy or attend, plus the fact that to date the government have not said it is safe to hold trade shows, made us come to the sad conclusion to miss a season,” Harrogate Fashion Week’s organisers said.

“We would like to thank everyone including the many trade publications for their continued support and we will be back bigger and stronger next year.”

The AW2021 show is planned for 31 January and 1 February 2021.