As the next London Fashion Week (LFW) looms in the schedule for Thursday 18^th to Monday 22^nd September, the national charity Back Up has thrown the covers off a fashion show event that will put a spotlight on adaptive design, sustainable style, and inclusivity in apparel. 

The event in question, “Front Row: Next Gen”, is set to take place at Battersea Arts Centre on the evening of Wednesday 17^th September, and will seek to redefine what it means to take to the catwalk. 

What can attendees expect from this trailblazing fashion event? 

A diverse lineup of models with spinal cord injuries will walk the runway at the Lavender Hill venue. As they do so, they will showcase items from various adaptive clothing brands, such as Intotum and Faduma Clothing. Also presented will be sustainable luxury from Designer Exchange, which is the largest preloved designer retailer in the UK. 

As reported by The Bucks Herald, fashion consultant Lisa Wisdom will curate the show, in which eight individuals with spinal cord injuries will appear. 

The lineup will encompass such names as actor George Robinson – who plays Isaac Goodwin in Netflix’s Sex Education – as well as lifestyle bloggers Heidi Herkes and Lorraine Mack, and former wheelchair athletes Justin Levene and Ella Archer. 

Back Up provides vital practical support and expert advice 

A key reason for Front Row: Next Gen being held will be to raise crucial funds to support the services that Back Up provides for people affected by spinal cord injury. The support and services the charity makes available include the likes of wheelchair skills training, mentoring, activity courses, and career development programmes. 

With there presently being around 105,000 people living with spinal cord injury in the UK, there is no question about the vital role the charity’s practical support and expert advice plays in helping such individuals to regain their confidence and independence following injury. 

“Good vibes and undeniable energy” await guests of this special event 

Lorraine Mack, who sustained a C4/5 spinal cord injury while enjoying a night out with friends in London in 2004, expressed her excitement about her upcoming participation in the event. 

“I love fashion, celebrating life and partying with friends,” the lifestyle blogger commented. “I loved all of that before my injury and that feeling hasn’t left, which is why I’m taking part in Front Row this year.”

She added: “It’s a brilliant event where you can expect good vibes and undeniable energy… I’m lucky to have a strong support network, including Back Up, and Front Row: Next Gen is a great way to support this amazing charity.” 

Lending sponsorship to the southwest London event is the law firm Slater and Gordon. The firm’s Head of Serious Injury in the South, Tracey Benson, stated: “True inclusivity allows opportunities for everyone, and this pioneering event is a fantastic example of this in action. We can’t wait to join Back Up on the Front Row.” 

Tickets can be purchased online for the event, which runs from 6:30pm until 10pm on the 17^th. 

In the meantime, whatever aspect of your own fashion, lifestyle, or luxury brand’s online presence you would like to optimise, please don’t hesitate to contact our digital creative and marketing agency at Skywire London to discuss how we can help. 

Photo by Gbenga Onalaja on Unsplash