The project - entitled Britain Creates 2012 - will focus on Olympic and Paralympic values and will be showcased to UK and international audiences next year.

So far, 14 artists and designers - including Westwood, Christopher Bailey for Burberry, Charming Baker, Sarah Burton, Giles Deacon, Jeremy Deller, Jess Flood-Paddock, Christopher Kane and Paul Smith - have signed up to take part.

The project, created and managed by the British Fashion Council/Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the Mayor of London, will be a highlight of the London 2012 Festival, which runs from June 21 to September 9 next year and which will be the culmination of the four-year Cultural Olympiad.

"With its innovative designers, cutting-edge street style and catwalk pizzazz, it's no wonder London has been voted fashion capital of the world," said Boris Johnson.

"We want to show the city at its creative best in 2012 and these intriguing collaborations will bring together some of the most exciting designers and artists working in Britain today.

"I've no doubt we'll be seeing work that is as challenging as it is inventive, showing the power of creative collaboration and adding to a summer like no other."


Britain Creates 2012 will be the start of an artistic project and bursary to support and encourage further collaboration between fashion and art.

Money for the bursary will be raised through the auction of the pieces created and through the proceeds of a gala event in central London in June 2012, when the artwork will be unveiled.

It will then be exhibited to the public throughout the London 2012 Festival.

"I'm delighted that London 2012 is inspiring a project that puts artistic collaboration at its heart," said the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival director Ruth Mackenzie.

"I genuinely can't wait to see what extraordinary creations these leading fashion designers and visual artists will produce for the London 2012 Festival."

Moira Sinclair, the London executive director of the Arts Council England, added: "We are delighted to be partners in Britain Creates 2012.

"This is one of a number of opportunities to present our creative talents on a global platform as we welcome the world to London next year.

"The spirit of collaboration that Britain Creates 2012 embodies is at the heart of a continued drive to explore new possibilities and push boundaries, which has kept this country at the forefront of artistic innovation."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]