Knutsford Fashion Week puts the town's independent boutiques centre stage

Knutsford's retail scene is known for its distinctive style and its independent boutiques, and this year the town gave its fashion scene a week of its own. Knutsford Fashion Week ran from 11 to 16 May, the first event under that name.

It grew out of Flash Fashion, which Knutsford Town Council launched in 2019 as a one-day event showcasing the town's independent fashion retailers. Over the years it added a catwalk show at The Lost & Found, and for 2026 it was expanded into a week-long celebration, sponsored by Laura Davies Styling.

The programme was built around the shops themselves. Visitors could book one-to-one styling appointments and personal shopping sessions, take part in colour analysis consultations with Laura Davies and Graham & Brown on Princess Street, and look out for exclusive discounts, prize draws and in-store promotions. The programme also included a sustainable style showcase at Clare & Illingworth.

The list of those taking part reads like a guide to the town centre, including Blossom Boutique, Willow Boutiques, Paris Ladies Boutique, Milania Boutique, Chalk 33, Zapatos, Bare Necessities, Oliver Wild, Lanigan & Hulme, The Edit, Kanoa Living, Alex&er Jewellery and Redress at Dexter & Jones, alongside the British Red Cross and the Children's Adventure Farm Trust.

The week ended with a catwalk finale at The Lost & Found on Saturday 16 May, introduced by Lucy Norris and compered once again by Katy Rickitt of Dexter & Jones. Collections from more than 16 independent retailers, from fashion boutiques to preloved and sustainable labels, went down the runway, and Bare Necessities added to the fun with volunteer models showing the latest lingerie and swimwear in its shop window.

Sally Feeke of Zapatos called the week a wonderful platform for showcasing independent style and creativity, saying the shop was proud to contribute to an event that brings together local businesses, fashion and the community.

Caroline Haynes, events manager at Knutsford Town Council, said it had been wonderful to see the town come together to celebrate fashion, creativity and its local businesses, describing the closing show as a real highlight with an amazing atmosphere.

Laura Davies, who has supported the event since 2023, said she had seen first-hand how effectively it champions the town's independent boutiques and community spirit.

The good news for anyone who missed it is that Knutsford Fashion Week will return in 2027. In the meantime, the independent shops that made it such a success are a fine place to start the Christmas shopping.