They said/ We said: Gucci moves up the spring show timeslot, leaving London model-less (and our fashion director potentially rushing the gates at Pearson!)

Date September 20, 2011

Sandwiched in between New York’s and Milan’s fashion weeks, the organizers behind London Fashion Week have often complained about time constraints in the past but this season has added stress with Gucci deciding to move their Spring 2012 show up to Wednesday, the last day of LFW.

To make matters worse, Gucci had scheduled castings and fittings this past weekend, meaning models had to abandon London in hopes of walking in the high-profile show. A number of shows have been affected including those of Canadian boys Erdem and Todd Lynn, the latter of who lost 10 out of 19 girls who were cast for his show. This hasn’t been the only scheduling conflict this season, either. Many models and editors were late arriving to LFW because Marc Jacobs pushed his show back to Thursday night due to delays caused by Hurricane Irene.

Many designers and casting agents are frustrated and threatening to boycott future LFWs if the British Fashion Council doesn’t intervene, which would be a shame since London is known for showing exciting new designers.

THEY SAID…

Carol White, founder of Premier Model Management: “Only a tiny fraction of them realistically have a shot at being in that show – we all know it will be full of mega girls,” said White. “I find it insulting that a designer like Frida thinks London is so insignificant that she would do that. Where’s the camaraderie?” [Telegraph UK]

The Cut: “Designers and agents are taking it out on London Fashion Week organizers, who they say willingly get bullied by New York and Milan. Well at least Tom Ford and Burberry show in London. As long as they’re there you can pretty much guarantee every important fashion person will be around for however long those take. Maybe London Fashion Week should encourage those labels to bookend the week.” [NY Mag]

Fashionista: While we doubt Marc Jacobs and Frida Giannini are on personal missions to destroy London Fashion Week, it’s easy to understand why London modeling agencies might view what they’re doing as “bullying tactics”–most London designers don’t have the resources to compete with them–and want the British Fashion Council to intervene.” [Fashionista]

WE SAID…

Susie Sheffman, fashion director: “I’m in line at the airport and will be arriving in Milan just in time for the Gucci show. I certainly hope it’s not moved up any more!
It wouldn’t kill anyone to give the cities a day-long breather in between!”