Leadership and activities
Based in London, the British Fashion Council (BFC) is currently chaired by David Pemsel. Pemsel was appointed in September 2022, succeeding Stephanie Phair who held the position for four and a half years from May 2018. [2] [3] Since 2009, Caroline Rush CBE has been the organization's chief executive officer. [4] Previous Chairs of the BFC have included Natalie Massenet, Edward Rayne, Nicholas Coleridge CBE, Harold Tillman, and Sir Stuart Rose. [5]
In May 2018, BFC appointed former England football team captain, David Beckham, as its new Ambassadorial President. [6]
2020 saw a number of organizational changes within the BFC, including four new appointments to its board of directors on 4 September. [7] The newly appointed directors; Jamie Gill, June Sarpong, Scott Morrison and Sian Westerman joined the remaining board membership of Stephanie Phair (chairperson), Dylan Jones, Caroline Rush, Laura Strain, and David Pemsel. [8]
The Council created a new committee entitled the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee on 16 September 2020. [9] [10]
In November 2020, the BFC presented Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas with the new title of ambassador for Positive Change. [11] The new BFC role was created with the aim to use fashion as a ‘source for good’, to raise awareness of best practices within the industry including affirming principles that support inclusivity and positive ethics. [12]
Joining other technology companies and fashion brands, Rakuten added its name to the list of BFC Patrons in 2021. [13]
Events
The BFC's primary event is London Fashion Week, a bi-annual London-based fashion show held routinely each February and September. The trade show typically showcases the work of over 250 international designers and engages a worldwide audience. The fashion week is organized by the BFC alongside other organizations. [19]
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BFC announced that its 2020 February trade show would be held as a digital-only event. All event attractions, from the launch of the week on Friday 14 February 2020, were presented to a global audience online. [20] [21] The event production crews, designers, models, and teams were assisted by Westminster Council with rapid Covid testing to ensure the success and safety of the event. [22] Princess Anne followed in the Queen’s footsteps to present a special award at the event. [23] The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was awarded to Rosh Mahtani who was commended for the craftsmanship of her jewellery. [24]
During the February 2020 Fashion Week, the BFC announced its scheme to enable one young designer to show their collection before a virtual audience. The new initiative was made possible in collaboration with MTV. [25]
Following its February virtual showcase event, [26] the BFC announced that it was to merge the Men’s Fashion Week into a new and single, "gender-neutral" event. [27] [28]
Coronavirus Foundation Fashion Fund
In response to the global pandemic restrictions and its move to showcasing fashion virtually, the BFC began to advocate increased support for fashion freelancers experiencing hardship and business disruption. The British government were encouraged to put further policies in place to protect those being negatively affected. [29]
Later in March 2020, the council launched its first coronavirus relief fund, committed to supporting those in the industry. [30] The crisis relief fund aims to raise £50 million for struggling designers. [31]
In May 2020, the Foundation Fashion Fund announced its first recipients of the £1,000,000 emergency fund. The fund was split between 37 different UK recipients. [32]
The Black in Fashion Council
In response to the global reaction to the George Floyd tragedy and the Black Lives Matter protests, the British Fashion Council chief called upon the industry to take further action against racism. [33]
The fashion industry was called to account for its longstanding cultural appropriation and lack of diversity, which led to a partnership of 38 organizations generating the Black in Fashion Council, including the British Fashion Council. [34] [35]
As part of its individual response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the British Fashion Council launched its own project celebrating Black British culture and fashion. The project included a variety of programmed events, concluding with an exhibition showcasing the work in the summer of 2022. [36]
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