The creator of the largest fashion week to be held in Britain outside of London says the event is a perfect example of the entrepreneurial spirit needed during harsh economic times.

The inaugural Oxford Fashion Week is due to be held over six days from May 3rd, and designers are being offered free exhibition space.

Carl Anglim, the leader of the project, told inthenews.co.uk that the launch of the event was “absolutely” a reaction to entrepreneurs being forced to think on their feet during the recession.

“We have mobilised a huge army of volunteers from the city’s student population to help with the project,” he said.

“Offering designers the chance to exhibit free is completely a part of that.

“We have a great number of up-and-coming designers being featured, some of them from off the beaten track, from Romania to Mumbai.”

After the week’s launch party on May 3rd, designers such as LK Bennett, Erin Petson, Emma Tempest, Enamore, Satoshi Date and Karen Karam will be contributing.

“We are putting together the most spectacular series of events outside of London, taking what are already very popular fashion events and turning them into public entertainment,” Mr Anglim added.

“London aside, Oxford sits as one of the most internationally-recognised UK cities. It has a particular mystique and charm.

“The introduction of an annual fashion week will take advantage of these attributes.”

For more information visit oxfordfashionweek.org