What: Following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th, the UK will enter a morning period that is expected to cost the country billions.

Why it is important: London Fashion Week is still expected to take place from the 16th to the 20th of September, with Burberry bowing out as a mark of respect and the British Fashion Council ceasing communications during the ten-day mourning period.

The funeral is expected to take place on the 18th or 19th which would mean store closures across the country as well as fashion show rescheduling. Prior to the news of the Queen’s death, London was preparing for its biggest fashion week since before the pandemic.

Selfridges has closed its doors since the announcement of the Queen’s passing and will reopen this weekend. It is likely that the other major UK department stores will follow their lead.

The ten-day mourning period will cause serious business delays and closures leading to lost revenues and logistical hiccups that may cause a cascade of issues for Fashion Month and British department stores.

UK business to halt following the Queen’s death - Source 1

UK business to halt following the Queen’s death - Source 2