As strict lockdown measures were lifted in London, Selfridges Oxford Street opened the ‘Rewiring Space’ on 3 December. The concept is the result of open conversations between brands, operators and retailers looking for ways to reshape the fashion system as a result of the pandemic.  Twenty Europe-based designers, including Christopher Kane, Erdem, Coperni, A-Cold-Wall, GMBH and Neil Barrett, will sell current and past-season items — including original runway samples and one-off prototypes — for up to 70% off the original retail price. Selfridges has not bought the product outright, but is instead providing its floor space, retail fixtures and sales personnel free of charge, and will take a 15% commission on sales to pay for operating fees, including credit card transactions. There is no other cost to those taking part. Independent designers — many of whom rely heavily on wholesale partnerships to achieve global distribution and exposure — have been hard hit by the pandemic. As spring lockdowns forced stores to close, many suffered from cancelled orders and late payments, leaving them with excess inventory. Some lacked the cash to pay employees or make new collections.