London Fashion Week saved after urgent talks

The organisers had hoped to have a six-day event and the first day of London will overlap with the last day of New York, meaning that London only has four clear days to itself. However, the British Fashion Council announced that from September next year, the twice-yearly event will be five full days, losing one full day from its current schedule.

Harold Tillman, chairman of the British Fashion Council, was determined to put a positive spin on the outcome, which will still leave London squeezed uncomfortably between New York and Milan.

"I am delighted that this meeting has brought our fashion capitals closer together," he said. "It has highlighted our interdependence, commitment to nurturing talent and our sharing of ideas and goals. We recognise and respect each other's cities strengths and will continue to collaborate to protect and grow our industry."

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Camera Della Moda and Federation Francais de la Couture agreed to work closely with the British Fashion Council to ensure their show schedules are sensitive to London's needs.

Diane Von Furstenberg, President of the CFDA in New York, said: "We all agree it is very important to preserve London Fashion Week; it provides the pool of talent we all benefit from."