The inaugural International Fashion Showcase takes place during London Fashion Week in February 2012, with 19 embassies and cultural institutes across London opening their doors to display the work of over 80 international emerging designers. The collections of some of the most innovative, emerging fashion designers from around the world will be open to the public as well as international press and buyers to explore fashion week.

The first project the British Council and the British Fashion Council have collaborated on, this new showcase is part of the Fashion 2012 Cultural Programme and has been developed to celebrate the year of the Olympics and Paralympics and honour its values of international respect, excellence, equality and friendship. Countries participating in this showcase include Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Caribbean, China, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Sierra Leone, United States and Uzbekistan.

Each country has been asked to present a selection of emerging designers whom they feel most represents the future of fashion in their region. Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Contributing Editor to US Vogue, will chair an advisory panel that will judge each piece of work, with an award given to the country that presents the best emerging fashion talent showcase. This will be announced on Sunday 19th February, during London Fashion Week.

A map, guide and passport will be available so you can follow the trail of the International Fashion Showcase around the various venues in central London.

You can follow what’s happening at the Showcase here or on the British Fashion Council website.