From 8 October the BFC Designer Pop-up returns to Bicester Village for a second year. The pop-up will welcome 30 British designer businesses which have been curated by the British Fashion Council and represent the creative and innovative talent found throughout the country.
For a limited time, guests to the international shopping destination will have the opportunity to purchase the latest collections from breakthrough prodigies like Grace Wales Bonner, Camilla Elphick, palmer//harding, Rixo and Phoebe English as well as freshly minted brands like Chaos. These thrilling newcomers, many of whom have never traded in bricks and mortar before, will showcase their creations alongside established stars including Hillier Bartley, Huishan Zhang, J&M Davidson, Mary Katrantzou, Paper London, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Racil, Sophia Webster and Erdem, who says, “We are thrilled to be a part of the BFC Designer Pop-up, which gives us an opportunity to introduce our brand to a new audience.”
Shop some of the coveted labels shaping British fashion today, from Huishan Zhang’s floor-sweeping gowns to power dresses from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. Swoon over dreamy watercolour prints from Erdem and vibrant modern silhouettes from Racil. Or discover something altogether edgier from those leading the new design charge – think an impeccably tailored coatdress from Grace Wales Bonner or a sculptural shirt from palmer//harding. At prices starting from £95, there are amazing savings to be enjoyed, too.
Those keen to get a head start on Christmas shopping will be pleased to learn that this year’s pop-up also includes accessories, lifestyle products and gift lines from selected designers. Chaos’ coveted pop-luxe phone cases and keyrings are perfect stocking fillers and who can resist Nicholas Kirkwood’s beautiful brogues, J&M Davidson’s calf-leather handbags or Sophia Webster’s signature butterfly heels?
Opening in a new flagship location the Village, the 2019 BFC Designer Pop-up is three times the size of last year’s space and boasts an interior custom-designed by Diane Bresson, winner of the Colour in Design Award at the 2018 New Designers Exhibition. Combining digital print and pattern making, the London-based textile designer has created an exclusive black-and-white print which will feature across the walls and floor of the pop-up, providing a strikingly immersive backdrop for the cutting-edge designs on display.
The 2019 BFC Designer Pop-up marks the second year of the partnership between the British Fashion Council and The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, which champions the future of British design talent through the Business of Retail, a tailored programme of business mentorship and commercial opportunity. Current mentees of the programme Erdem, Mary Katrantzou and Emilia Wickstead, as well as emerging designers Rejina Pyo, palmer//harding, Phoebe English and Mother of Pearl will all be showcased in this year’s boutique.
Bicester Village is open until 8 pm from Monday to Wednesday and until 9 pm from Thursday to Saturday until the end of October.