At 180 Strand, home to London Fashion Week, The King toured an exhibition celebrating craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability within British fashion.
Curated to spotlight the strength and future of the industry, the exhibition brought together British makers and apprentices dedicated to preserving heritage skills while advancing sustainable practice. His Majesty also met students currently studying on The King’s Foundation programmes, who demonstrated traditional techniques including draping and embroidery.
Central to the occasion was the work of the British Fashion Council (BFC). Formed in 1983, the not-for-profit organisation champions innovation, responsible growth and the amplification of British fashion at home and abroad. Through world-class initiatives, including The Fashion Awards and London Fashion Week, the BFC seeks to unlock and elevate British creative talent on the global stage.
In addition to the main exhibition, The King viewed a showcase by Brand63Africa and met designers involved in its creation. The new social enterprise connects fashion designers of African heritage with global fashion markets, promoting small-batch production and traditional craftsmanship. Its first collection, launching later this year, will support established designers committed to sustainability and community empowerment — values aligned with The King’s longstanding advocacy of sustainability and a circular fashion economy.
His Majesty also visited an exhibition by Stella McCartney, focused on celebrating sustainable British innovation. A longstanding supporter and newly appointed Ambassador of The King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative, McCartney presented a showcase featuring sustainable materials, including plant-based feather alternatives and plastic-free sequins, highlighting practical and scalable solutions already entering the fashion industry.
After touring the exhibitions, The King was invited to join the front row for the opening show of London Fashion Week 2026. Alongside guests from across the industry, His Majesty watched a presentation by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker.
Based in London, Tolu Coker is a British-Nigerian fashion and textiles designer, illustrator and multidisciplinary artist. Since launching her label in 2018 following her graduation from Central Saint Martins, Coker has merged artisan craftsmanship with innovative technology. Her predominantly unisex designs explore identity, social climates and sustainability, earning international recognition.