The company behind Cheshire Fashion Week has lodged an appeal after its initial legal claim against Knutsford Town Council was dismissed by the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court. The dispute centers on Knutsford's decision to host its own fashion week earlier this year, an event organized by the town council.
Cheshire Fashion Week Limited, which holds a registered trademark for its name, alleged trademark infringement and passing off, asserting a claim over the right to host fashion week events within Cheshire. Knutsford Town Council, however, disagreed with this assertion and proceeded with its event in May. This local initiative, which evolved from an earlier event called 'Flash Fashion,' aimed to promote independent retailers in the town and culminated in a catwalk show featuring 16 local businesses. The council has stated that its event was intended to showcase local businesses and was not a threat to the fashion industry.
Sally Feeke, owner of shoe shop Zapatos, which participated in the Knutsford event, described the situation as 'ridiculous,' emphasizing the positive impact such events have on local businesses and town vitality. Colin Banks, chairman of the Knutsford Town Council community committee, echoed this sentiment, stating the event was a way to raise the profile of local businesses with volunteer models and local residents.
Cheshire Fashion Week was founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Claire Namukolo Raven, who has expressed ambitions to place the county on the international fashion map. The event has grown from an inaugural show that reportedly attracted around 300 people to an event that organizers claim had 600 visitors by 2021. This year's Cheshire Fashion Week is scheduled to take place at Chester Cathedral.
Knutsford Town Council stated that its fashion event has been held annually since 2019 to support local fashion shops and high street vitality. Following the announcement of their 2026 event, the council received correspondence from Cheshire Fashion Week Limited. After the council proceeded with its event, Cheshire Fashion Week commenced litigation. The town council defended the claim, and on August 4, the court dismissed it. Cheshire Fashion Week has since filed an appeal. Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green noted that while the council was pleased with the court's initial decision, they could not comment further due to the ongoing appeal.
The area of Cheshire where this dispute is unfolding is known for its affluence, associated with Premier League footballers and their families, luxury residences, and high-end retail. Knutsford itself has been home to several England international footballers.