British Vogue Festival to commemorate magazine’s centennial

Condé Nast’s British Vogue is hosting its fifth Vogue Festival in May, using the fashion event as an opportunity to celebrate a milestone 100 years in print.

For the 2016 festival, being held May 21-22, the magazine will construct a Vogue World on the East Albert Lawn of Kensington Gardens, giving attendees the opportunity to experience its universe. Department store Harrods is returning as the sponsor for the popular event for the third year in a row.

World of Vogue
The two-day affair will take place between Kensington Gardens and the Royal Geographic Institute across the street.

British Vogue’s annual festival brings together the talents featured in the pages of the magazine. Attendees can partake in workshops, talks, makeovers and career advice sessions, or peruse branded merchandise in the Vogue Café and Vogue Shop.

“This is an exceptional year for British Vogue and we are planning a wonderful festival to celebrate our 100 years,” said Alexandra Shulman, editor-in-chief of British Vogue, in a statement. “Harrods is helping us to create a two-day event unlike any other allowing the general public access to the talents and expertise of the world of Vogue.”

Don’t miss this year’s special Vogue 100 Festival – read all the announced details here: https://t.co/b6YJF8M8yE pic.twitter.com/qgJzbBYX2o

— VOGUE.CO.UK (@BritishVogue) March 7, 2016

Speakers will be announced at a later date. Previous speakers have included Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford and Donatella Versace.

Harrods began partnering with Vogue on its festival in 2014, replacing previous sponsor Vertu (see story). In its time as sponsor, Harrods has helped to bring elements of the fashion experience to the event.

Helen David, fashion director at Harrods, said, “The Vogue Festival has become one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends on our fashion calendar and, this year, Harrods is delighted to be partnering with Vogue for the third year running.

“Harrods has been synonymous with fashion for over 120 years and is home to the world’s leading brands,” she continued. “We look forward to bringing elements of our luxury department store to life during what promises to be an engaging, innovative and inspiring weekend."

In addition to the festival, British Vogue has been taking consumers into its inner workings as it turns 100.

British Vogue is opening its doors to viewers with a new documentary series produced in collaboration with the British Broadcasting Corporation.

BBC Two will be gaining unprecedented access to British Vogue for the series, which will feature stories of the publication’s glamorous shoots and work with famous models, photographers and designers. Scheduled to debut in 2016, the series will celebrate British Vogue’s 100th anniversary, giving its readers a chance to see the inner workings of one of the most influential publications in the U.K. (see story).