‘Young designers must stay in London’

London's leading young fashion designers today called on emerging clothing labels to keep their studios and manufacturing in Britain.

Henry Holland, founder of House of Holland, and Marcus Wilmont, of Aminaka Wilmont, said homegrown talent was the "lifeblood" of British fashion. Dozens of UK brands, including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and John Galliano have left for Paris, Milan or New York. Industry experts fear the "brain drain" threatens London Fashion Week which starts on Friday.

Holland, 26, has a studio in Shoreditch and makes all his clothes in Britain, using factories near Finsbury Park and in the North.

The designer, who today unveiled a new collaboration with Debenhams, said: "It's important to keep the craft skills here as it's good for the industry."

Wilmont, 33, said: "Young designers keep the London fashion industry alive and exciting — they're the lifeblood."

Donatella Versace, who chairs the judging panel, said: "London has an unbeatable reputation as the originator of unique fashion talent."