See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ANNE ASHWORTH Updated: 00:10 BST, 8 July 2026
In years gone by, it was the high street stalwart you relied on for a tasty Sunday joint and a snazzy pair of socks.But now Marks & Spencer is to join the designer elite - with the first ever show of its womenswear and menswear at London Fashion Week.The chain's looks will appear on the catwalk in September alongside luxury brands such as Burberry - showing off its latest designs to a wave of models, actors, musicians and other celebrities. Industry sources suggested the move shows M&S shareholders and shoppers - as well as a global audience of fashionistas - that the company has officially 'dumped the frump' and is now leading rather than lagging in the style stakes.Stuart Machin, M&S chief executive, said: 'This is a special moment. For 100 years M&S fashion has been part of everyday life and now we will showcase our designs on fashion's global stage. 'Customers can shop the collections online or from M&S stores across the UK.'The garments will also be available in key international markets. The London Fashion Week show follows two M&S catwalk events this summer in Ibiza and at Silverstone. They highlight a new M&S strategy of launching regular limited supply 'drops' or lines of clothing. Such a policy also drives growth at Inditex, the Spanish owner of Zara. Now Marks & Spencer is to join the designer elite - with the first ever show of its womenswear and menswear at London Fashion Week (file image)Laura Weir, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, which runs London Fashion Week, said: 'M&S is one of Britain's most recognised and trusted fashion names.'Its LFW debut brings together heritage, scale and contemporary style, and reflects the continued breadth and energy of British fashion.' M&S has appeared at standalone men's fashion week events but never at the full-blown London Fashion Week. It will be seen as a sign of confidence after a turnaround under Mr Machin and M&S chairman Archie Norman.
