The British Council, British Fashion Council and Mercedes-Benz will collectively present work by emerging fashion designers from 26 countries for the International Fashion Showcase 2017 when it returns to Somerset House for a second year in February. The exhibition will be the sixth edition of the annual showcase and forms a key part of London Fashion Week’s public-facing programme, which celebrates the universal relevance of fashion in contemporary culture. This is the first time the IFS will be supported and presented by Mercedes-Benz, who for the past 21 years has established itself globally as a key player and partner at key international fashion shows and events.

Between 17 - 21 February 2017 a series of installations in the West Wing at Somerset House will explore the theme of Local/Global. Fashion is shaped by its surroundings - the rhythms of nature, climate, cultural memory, social change and historical shifts are reflected in its form, techniques and materials. The peculiarities of place give rise to different ways of designing, making and wearing fashion; each its own unique aesthetic but dialects of a global language. Almost every garment has multiple origins, is a product of multiple places and moves through multiple hands. By considering fashion within their own country’s landscape, the countries taking part in IFS will highlight the similarities and differences of our complex and connected world.

For more information visit: design.britishcouncil.org/ifs2017