The British Fashion Council Host Fashion Forum, a Thought Leadership Event Focused on Investing in the Future

The British Fashion Council (BFC) concluded the fifth annual BFC Fashion Forum on Tuesday with a key note talk from Edward Enninful OBE, Editor in Chief, British Vogue and Gwyneth Paltrow, CEO & Founder, goop. The event was expanded this year to run over to two days allowing for the second day of the event to focus on Positive Fashion, a key stream of work for the BFC. The overarching theme for this year’s event was ‘Investing in the future’ with content co-curated by innovation consultancy, Current Global, designed to encourage conversation around everything from business growth to sustainability.

BFC Fashion Forum is an annual think tank and thought leadership event that brings together industry leaders from fashion, investment and technology to collectively debate and share knowledge. The event showcases businesses with high growth potential and encourages business connections to generate investment opportunities through networking between the curated list of individuals in design, investment, finance and technology alongside the broader fashion community of digital influencers, entrepreneurs and lawyers.  This highly curated network takes time out of their businesses to join the conversation about how to shape the industry going forward. 

From international expansion and changing business models to technological advances; the topics of day one included ‘Building the next big British brand’, ‘How data and experience are transforming retail’, ‘How new business models are affecting culture’, ‘Working smart, not hard: Driving efficiency in the supply chain’, ‘Managing challenges and driving growth’, ‘Investing in innovation’. Day two focused on Positive Fashion and included topics such as, ‘The role of AI for sustainable supply chains’, ‘Designing for circularity’, ‘Moving the needle: Creating a fair supply chain’, ‘How female leaders can thrive’ and ‘Where sustainable innovation is needed’.

BFC Fashion Forum is hosted by Stephanie Phair, Chairman, British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush CBE, CEO, British Fashion Council and Sian Westerman, President, BFC Business Pillar and BFC Fashion Trust co-chair and is comprised of a series of panel discussions, brainstorms and workshops with speakers which included Chris Morton, Lyst, Christopher Wylie, H&M, Edward Enninful OBE, British Vogue Elizabeth Paton, NY Times, Emma Grede, Good American, Gwyneth Paltrow, goop Henrietta Rix & Orlagh McCloskey, Rixo, Ian Pattison, Google, Jo Ellison, Financial Times, Jo Malone CBE, Jo Malone, Jocelyn Wilkinson, Burberry, John McPheters, Stadium Goods, Michael Beutler, Kering, Nick Molnar, Clearpay, Paul Dillinger, Levi’s, Stuart Ford, The Woolmark Company, Susanne Tide-Frater, FARFETCH and Roland Mouret, Roland Mouret.

The BFC has published two new reports on the fashion industry that were distributed at the BFC Fashion Forum 2019 which are available to download below.

Direct-to-Consumer: A New Model for British Fashion?

How to Scale Designer Fashion Businesses

Key findings from the two days included: 

Brand & Community

Defining your brand values and ingraining them into your business is more important than ever – particularly when looking for investment. The customer is even more discerning, unpicking and understanding what the customer really wants and having dialogue with them is key. It’s important to involve customers in your marketing and product development. If they are part of the process, they will love the product even more.

The Retail Mix 

The Highstreet isn’t dead, translating the brand from online to physical stores is more important than ever. Brands must focus on store experience rather than just the transaction; customers want a physical space to engage with brands. Direct to consumer has seen a lot of growth recently and has built a number of businesses quickly. However, don’t rule out wholesale – with a good partner it can generate valuable brand awareness.  

Culture 

In the early days it is important to co-create culture with your team and adopt a co-created code, it can’t be a mandate – that is how you get your employees to buy in. Workplaces need to adapt so they work for everyone. Workplaces need to make everyone feel included – a diverse workforce will equal a better representation of the customer. Diversity is not just for marketing and PR it should be across the whole business and represented by the team businesses employ.   

Change 

The industry is responsible for making a change. Fashion is great at storytelling and we should use the platform we have to educate. The younger audience is key – we need to listen to them and give them what they want. There is so much to do but bigger brands can help make changes that smaller brands can benefit from. Act now, don’t wait. 

Positive Fashion 

Positive fashion and sustainability initiatives are an imperative from an ecological and consumer stand point. The case is being made for the circular economy and while there is a way to go there are many initiatives exploring how to effect meaningful change. The Fashion industry needs to come together as a whole, with the largest companies driving the initiative – self regulation and incentives for good actions are preferable to legislation which might not deliver the right outcome
The British Fashion Council would like to thank event partners, Clearpay, Current Global, DHL, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, The Ned and The Woolmark Company and our masterclass and workshop hosts, ConsenSys, Fashion For Good, Accenture, Powerfront, Quibit, Shopify, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Innovate UK and Verisium.  Thanks goes to the BFC Fashion Trust for curating the closing talk.

The Innovation Space curated by Current Global: CLO Virtual Fashion, CoGo Connecting Good, Heuritech, Hologrm, MERCAUX, MOBIRY, OBSESS, Powerfront Inc, QUBIT, Reflaunt, Shopify, Social Vend, SYTE and Verisium

Fashion Forum 2019 Topics and Speakers

Opening Keynote
Victor Luis, CEO, Tapestry, Inc. in conversation with Jo Ellison, Fashion Editor, Financial Times  

Building the Next Big British Brand 
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Sian Westerman, Senior Adviser, Rothschild & Co and President of Business and Investment Pillar, British Fashion Council 
David Belhassen, Founder & Managing Partner, Neo Investment
Frederic Court, Managing Partner, Felix Capital
Karen McCormick, Chief Investment Officer, Beringea LLP

Working Smart, Not Hard: Driving Efficiency in the Supply Chain
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Lauretta Roberts, Managing Director & Editor-in-Chief, The Industry London
Alex Valdmann, Creative Director, Rapha
Laura Culligan, Director of Innovation, Strategy & Operations, Burberry

Keynote
Jo Malone CBE, Founder & Creative Director, Jo Loves in conversation with Rachel Arthur, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Current Global

Blockchain Applications for the Creative Economy - Presented by ConsenSys 
Masterclass
Vanessa Grellet, Executive Director, ConsenSys

The People Puzzle: How New Business Models Are Affecting Culture 
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Moira Benigson, Founder, The MBS Group
Chris Morton, CEO, Lyst
Garbhan O’Bric, Group President, Ridley Scott Creative Group

Driving Loyalty Through One-to-One Personalisation - Presented by Qubit 
Workshop
Leah Anathan, Chief Marketing Officer, Qubit
Michael Manby, Team Lead, Qubit

Current Global: Investing in Innovation 
Presentation
Rachel Arthur, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Current Global

Love the Way you Pay – Starting up a Fashion Payment Platform – Presented by Clearpay
Masterclass
Nick Molnar, Founder & CEO, Afterpay (Clearpay)

How Luxury Leaders like Gucci Deliver High-End Customer Experience Online - Presented by Powerfront
Hadar Paz, CEO, Powerfront

Business Success Stories – Managing Challenges & Driving Growth 
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Rosanna Falconer, Brand Consultant and Co-Founder, FashMash  
Clare Hornby, Founder & Creative Director, ME+EM
Henrietta Rix & Orlagh McCloskey, Co-Founders, RIXO
Misha Nonoo, CEO & Creative Director, Misha Nonoo

The Store of One: How Data and Experience are Transforming Retail 
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Maghan McDowell, Innovation Editor, Vogue Business
Gareth Pope, General Manager, Lululemon EMEA
Ross Bailey, CEO, AppearHere
Susanne Tide-Frater, Chief Consultant Augmented Retail, Farfetch and Browns

Closing Keynote
John McPheters, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Stadium Goods in conversation with Liz Bacelar, Co-Founder & CEO, Current Global 

Day Two

Sustainable Fashion Roundtable by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Innovate UK
Roundtable 
Lynda Petherick, Head of Retail, Accenture UKI
Alison Robinson, Director of Corporate Affairs, NERC
Tom Fiddian, Creative Industries Lead, Innovate UK

Emma Grede, Co-Founder & CEO, Good American in conversation with Funmi Fetto, Contributing Editor, British Vogue 
In Conversation

Designing for Circularity 
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Kirsty McGregor, Deputy Editor, Drapers
Christopher Raeburn, Creative Director of RÆBURN and Global Creative Director of Timberland
Francois Souchet, Lead, Make Fashion Circular, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Stuart Ford, General Manager, Western Hemisphere, The Woolmark Company

Moncler Case Study: Improving Loyalty and Value with Blockchain – Presented by Verisium
Masterclass
Eldar Khayretdinov, Co-Founder, Verisium 
Vadim Kostomarov, Co-Founder, Verisium

The Future of Circular Fashion: Assessing the Viability of Circular Business Models - Presented by Fashion For Good and Accenture
Masterclass
Brittany Burns, Strategy Lead, Fashion For Good
Daniel Newton, Sustainability Consultant & Author, The Future of Circular Fashion: Assessing the Viability of Circular Business Models
Harry Morrison, Managing Director, Accenture Strategy & Sustainability

Roland Mouret and Arch & Hook Talk Sustainable Solutions in the Fashion Industry 
In Conversation 
Roland Mouret, Creative Director, Roland Mouret
Sjoerd Fauser, CEO & Founder, Arch & Hook

The Role of Technology for Sustainable Business 
Panel Discussion 
Moderator: Liz Bacelar, Co-Founder & CEO, Current Global
Christopher Wylie, Research Director, H&M
Thomas Berry, Director of Sustainability, Farfetch

Moving the Needle: Creating a Fair Supply Chain
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Sarah Kent, Senior Correspondent, The Business of Fashion 
Jocelyn Wilkinson, Responsibility Programme Director, Burberry
Mary Creagh, Member of Parliament for Wakefield & Chair, Environmental Audit Committee 
Michael Beutler, Sustainability Operations Director, Kering

Levi’s on the Promises and Perils of Sustainability
In Conversation 
Moderator: Elizabeth Paton, European Styles Correspondent, The New York Times 
Paul Dillinger, Head of Global Product Innovation, Levi Strauss & Co

Current Global: Where Sustainable Innovation is Needed
Panel Discussion 
Claire Bergkamp, WW Sustainability & Innovation Director, Stella McCartney
Ian Pattison, Head of Cloud, Google
Maria McClay, Senior Industry Head, Luxury Fashion, Google
Rachel Arthur, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Current Global

How Female Leaders Can Thrive 
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Kenya Hunt, Deputy Editor, ELLE  
Chantal Khouiery, Chief of Culture, Value Retail
Sharmadean Reid, Founder & CEO, BeautyStack and WAH Nails
Sian Westerman, Senior Adviser, Rothschild and Co & President of Business and Investment Pillar, British Fashion Council 

Closing Keynote in collaboration with BFC Fashion Trust 
Gwyneth Paltrow, CEO & Founder, goop in conversation with Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief, British Vogue 

Naomi Campbell to be Honoured with the Fashion Icon Award at The Fashion Awards 2019

The British Fashion Council is delighted to announce that Naomi Campbell will receive the Fashion Icon Award at The Fashion Awards 2019, on Monday 2nd December at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Naomi Campbell will be recognised for her incredible contribution to the fashion industry, her world-renowned career as a supermodel, as well as her philanthropist work with charities and incredible efforts for a more diverse and equal future, especially in Africa. The Fashion Icon Award is one of the Special Recognition Awards that celebrate outstanding contributions to the fashion industry.  

Caroline Rush, BFC Chief Executive commented: “We cannot think of a more deserving recipient than iconic Londoner Naomi Campbell, she has achieved exceptional work in the industry. Naomi represents female empowerment, activism and glamour and her voice is used for great impact. We are thrilled to present The Fashion Icon Award to Naomi and acknowledge her for her remarkable contribution to the global fashion industry and we look forward to celebrating with her in London in December”

Born in London, Naomi Campbell’s career started at an early age. Discovered by an agent after school in Covent Garden, Campbell was the first black model to cover French Vogue in 1988, the first black model to be on the cover of American Vogue's September issue in 1989, the first black model to appear on the cover of TIME magazine, Russian Vogue as well as the first British black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue. She has since graced the covers of over 500 magazines. Today, with over 30 years in fashion, Campbell remains an unstoppable force and has starred in iconic campaigns for some of fashion’s most distinguished brands including Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Balmain, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino and Versace. 

Naomi Campbell’s numerous achievements are not limited to fashion alone. Throughout her career, she has become known for using her success to help those in need through her incredible work with fundraising and charity work across the globe. Naomi Campbell began charity work with Nelson Mandela in 1993, and in 1997 he named her “Honorary Granddaughter” for her endless activism. In 2018, Naomi Campbell had the honour of presenting a tribute to the independence leader, who would have turned 100, at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival in NYC. Naomi also made a passionate and emotional speech at Winnie Mandela's funeral, calling her “a woman of strength who endured much hardship and sacrifice”. In 2013, Naomi Campbell launched the Campaign “Diversity Coalition” with the aim to address racism in the fashion industry. 

Naomi Campbell is not only known for being one of the original supermodels but also for being a global figure, and one of the most influential people on the planet. Her passion for female empowerment and Africa has seen her headline the 2019 Forbes Woman Africa’s Leading Women Summit and her ongoing mission to elevate and connect African designers with the global fashion community has seen her co-produce this year’s Arise Fashion Week in Lagos, Nigeria.

In 2005, Naomi Campbell founded Fashion for Relief, a charity merging fashion and philanthropy. Born in London, Fashion for Relief was one of the first fundraisers with an aim to help people affected by the disastrous floods that hit the UK in the summer of 2007. The fundraiser was supported by people including Elle MacPherson, Novak Djokovic, Jane Fonda, Sting, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Faye Dunaway and the Duchess of York, in aid of the Rotary Flood and Disaster Appeal for Great Britain.  Since that day, Fashion for Relief has spread its wings to embrace global causes, raising millions in aide of disaster relief such as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Katrina and child refugee crises, to name only a few. Fashion for Relief has been staged all around the world, from New York to Dar Es Salaam and the South of France. This year, Fashion for Relief will return to its roots, with a catwalk during London Fashion Week September 2019.

Previous awards received by Naomi Campbell include the Glamour Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2006, a Special Recognition Award at the British Fashion Awards in 2010, the Glamour Award for TV Personality in 2014 and most recently the Fashion Icon award at the 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards. 

The Fashion Icon Award is one of the Special Recognition Awards that celebrate outstanding contributions to the fashion industry at The Fashion Awards. The Fashion Awards is the main fundraiser for the BFC’s charitable and talent support work. The BFC is a not for profit organisation focused on promoting excellence in British fashion and supporting the future pipeline of creative talent. The BFC’s work is achieved through a range of charitable initiatives which focus on education, business and mentoring schemes that support talent from school level and emerging designers to fashion start-ups and established brands. In 2018, the BFC raised over £2.3 million for its charities and business support initiatives out of which £1.1 million will be allocated directly to scholars and designer businesses with the remaining monies building an endowment to secure support for future generations.

Tonight's announcement was kindly hosted by the Ritz London. The generosity and commitment of our sponsors is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging our Presenting Sponsor Swarovski and Official Sponsors American Express, Getty Images and Lavazza Coffee for their support of the Fashion Awards 2019. 

Tables and boxes for The Fashion Awards 2018 are on sale. For more information please email fashionawardstable@britishfashioncouncil.com or FashionAwardsBox@britishfashioncouncil.com or 
General tickets for The Fashion Awards 2019 are available via are available via Ticketmaster from the 26th June.

General tickets for The Fashion Awards 2019 are available from the 26th June. American Express customers have access to an exclusive pre-sale available now on Ticketmaster. 

London Fashion Week Opens its Doors to the Public

Today, the British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that London Fashion Week will be the first of the four global fashion weeks to open its doors to the public. 

Starting from September 2019, London Fashion Week will offer dedicated experiences for both a trade and public audience through one dynamic schedule, further blurring the lines of what was traditionally known as a global trade platform.  

Known for its creativity and innovation, London Fashion Week attracts an audience of press, buyers and industry professionals from over 50 countries who come to London to explore and discover the best creative talent; from emerging designers to heritage labels and internationally recognised fashion houses. In response to the ever-changing fashion landscape and the growing public interest towards London Fashion Week, the BFC is launching a new Fashion Week format to increase engagement and reach new audiences for designer businesses.

The London Fashion Week schedule will now facilitate two audiences. The trade audience will attend on schedule catwalk shows and presentations routinely across the 5 days of London Fashion Week from 13th – 17th September 2019. The public audience will be able to purchase a ticket to an immersive London Fashion Week experience that will include a selection of designers that will showcase 6 ticketed catwalk shows which will take place at the official London Fashion Week Hub, on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2019; creative installations, industry-led talk panels from experts offering unparalleled insights to the fashion industry, the DiscoveryLAB, an experiential space where fashion meets art, technology and music and a brand new Designer Exhibition, where the creative work of progressive designers explores the most compelling stories around sustainability, community and ethics.

As part of the new London Fashion Week proposition, the Designer Exhibition will relaunch and will fully embrace #PositiveFashion, the BFC’s initiative designed to celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create positive change. The Designer Exhibition will be open to both the trade and public audience and will be the place where guests discover new creative brands and progressive designers, explore compelling stories and learn about how the fashion industry can be used as a force for change.

#PositiveFashion is led by three pillars: Sustainability, Equality & Diversity, Craftsmanship & Community and London Fashion Week is inviting designers to tell their story, showcase how products are made and bring their brands and stories to life for a trade and public audience alike.

The celebration of London Fashion Week does not live solely within the hub. It will extend to a city-wide celebration of activations and events that will be curated by the BFC in partnership with key retailers, cultural institutions, brands and partners to engage communities throughout the capital to get involved and capitalise on the success of this global event to reach new audiences. The aim being to inspire young people and make #LFW a cultural city-wide celebration that will introduce fashion to a wider pool of people who may not have previously engaged with it or understand the incredible careers and opportunities that the industry holds.

New this season, the British Fashion Council will host the London Fashion Week schedule within the LetsBab app, allowing attendees to receive up to the minute schedule updates and show start times through notifications on the go. In the meantime, download and browse the LetsBab digital mall www.letsbab.com/app/ 

The generosity and commitment of our sponsors, suppliers and supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support for London Fashion Week September 2019: Official Partners: JD.COM, INC, Evening Standard, Lavazza, LetsBab, Mercedes-Benz, NIVEA, The May Fair Hotel, The Store X, TONI&GUY and Official Suppliers: Bags of Ethics, DHL, Fashion & Beauty Monitor, Getty Images, Launchmetrics, Laräbar, S by Sloggi and our Official Supporters: The Department for International Trade, The European Regional Development Fund and The Mayor of London.

To be part of the new London Fashion Week format and buy tickets click here.

The provisional London Fashion Week trade schedule is now live here.

House Of Holland & self-portrait to Stage Public-Facing Shows at London Fashion Week

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that House Of Holland and self-portrait will be taking part in the new London Fashion Week format that sees the internationally recognised event open its doors to the public from September 2019.

House Of Holland and self-portrait will host public-facing shows on Sunday 15th September to present their current AW19 collection to London Fashion Week ticket holders at three different time slots; 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm.

Earlier in July, the BFC announced that the London Fashion Week schedule will facilitate two audiences. The trade audience will attend on schedule catwalk shows and presentations routinely across the 5 days of London Fashion Week from 13th – 17th September 2019. The public audience is able to purchase tickets to an immersive London Fashion Week experience taking place at the official London Fashion Week Hub; Standard tickets are priced at £135 and Front Row tickets at £245 and can be purchased here. The experience includes catwalk shows, on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2019; creative installations, industry-led talk panels from experts offering unparalleled insights to the fashion industry, the DiscoveryLAB, an experiential space where fashion meets art, technology and music and a newly relaunched Designer Exhibition, which will fully embrace #PositiveFashion, the BFC’s initiative designed to celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create positive change. The Designer Exhibition will be open to both the trade and public audience and will be the place where guests discover new creative brands and progressive designers, explore compelling stories and learn about how the fashion industry can be used as a force for change.

The full line-up of catwalk shows, talks and designers taking part in the Designer Exhibition will be announced in the next few weeks. 

House Of Holland is Henry Holland’s eponymous brand. Henry designs with a London girl aesthetic in mind and is continually inspired by the variety of attitudes, cultures and mindsets that exist throughout the UK and the capital. The House Of Holland girl is cool, confident and savvy and wears labels without letting them wear her. House Of Holland was launched in February 2008 to critical acclaim. Now in the brand's 11th year, House Of Holland is firmly established in the international fashion arena with a cult following and an impressive roster of premium stockists. House Of Holland will also host a catwalk show to trade professionals on Saturday 14th September.

Launched in 2013 by London-based Malaysian-born Han Chong, self-portrait is a contemporary womenswear brand, designing luxury fashion with an accessible price point. self-portrait has enjoyed unprecedented success, cornering the market in occasion dressing with its signature styles include feminine silhouettes, experimentally textured pieces, and high quality fabrics such as lace. Chong’s aim is to offer great design and quality, at an honest price point, to a wider audience. Popular with celebrities including Michelle Obama, the Duchess of Sussex, Beyoncé and Zendaya. self-portrait is currently stocked online and in stores globally. Self-portrait will also host a catwalk show to trade professionals as part of New York Fashion Week on Saturday 7th September.

The generosity and commitment of our sponsors, suppliers and supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support for London Fashion Week September 2019: Official Partners: JD.COM, INC, Evening Standard, Lavazza, LetsBab, Mercedes-Benz, NIVEA, The May Fair Hotel, The Store X, TONI&GUY and Official Suppliers: Bags of Ethics, DHL, Fashion & Beauty Monitor, Getty Images, Launchmetrics, Laräbar, S by Sloggi and our Official Supporters: The Department for International Trade, The European Regional Development Fund and The Mayor of London.

To be part of the new London Fashion Week format and buy tickets click here.

The London Fashion Week trade schedule is now live here.

British Fashion Council Launches Fashion & Music Campaign

Watch the videos here.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to launch a series of short films, created as part of its new campaign Fashion & Music. The videos, available on the British Fashion Council’s YouTube channel, pair fashion designers with musicians for an upbeat and informal Q&A, discussing parallels between the fashion and music industries; their journeys to success and gives insight into the wider creative community and how London, its people and culture are integral parts of the creative process. 
The campaign features a mix of renowned designers and musicians and is a testament of the city’s diversity and creativity. Taking part in the campaign are six pairs:

Astrid Andersen x James Blake 
JOBO x Daya
Paria /FARZANEH x Celeste
Paula Knorr x Grace Carter
Per Götesson x YUNGBLUD
Roberta Einer x Becky Hill

Fashion & Music is the first part of a wider content series whose aim is to highlight the close ties between the creative industries, bringing together a diverse selection of artists from the worlds of fashion, music and film, all driving forward the UK’s cultural reputation. 
The campaign which will run across the year, with videos being released at various touchpoints, will support the BFC’s three strategic pillars; Education, Business and Reputation; but also engage with young people, support British designer talent and underpin London’s position as an international creative capital. 

For press enquiries please contact:
Charlotte Berghman, Senior PR Assistant,  British Fashion Council, charlotte.berghman@britishfashioncouncil.com, +44 (0) 20 7759 1959

The Impact of No Deal Brexit for British Fashion Industry

The British Fashion Council (BFC) continues to emphasise that a no deal Brexit is a scenario that should be avoided. The reality that a no deal could still happen, continues to have a negative impact on our industry. Based on export figures from 2018 it is estimated that switching to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules would cost the fashion industry between £850 and £900million* (source: UK Fashion & Textile Association).
The UK leads the world in creativity, innovation and business and we need to retain this reputation.  As an industry worth £32billion to the UK GDP and employing more than 890,000 people – almost as many as the financial sector, we urge the Government to:

-seek a deal with the EU that would guarantee the healthy and steady growth 
of the fashion industry 

-give access to funding that would help create stimulus that will ensure British designer businesses continue to remain competitive internationally through trading agreements, access to finance, free movement of talent and 
support for promotion 

-advise on all the different scenarios and translate them into what they mean to the fashion industry and the best way to navigate global trade challenges
 
Ahead of London Fashion Week September 2019, the BFC held a seminar for designers specifically around preparing for a no deal Brexit, helping them identify the risks and challenges to their business and help them prepare for WTO rules in the event of no deal being reached by 31st October 2019.

Background: 

Following the 2016 EU referendum, the creative industries came together to set out the joint challenges of the industries through the Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Federation. The following areas were identified and continue to be a focus for fashion:
Movement of People
Tariff Free Access to the EU
Frictionless Borders
Intellectual Property rules & regulations
Funding post European Regional Development Fund

More precisely, the BFC’s main concerns around the impact of Brexit on designer businesses are centred around trade and talent.

Trade

Fashion SMEs are international from day one, with first sales often taking place outside of the UK. Driven by the need to achieve high artistry and creative pieces, designers adopt a global approach in all elements of their business; from sourcing the perfect fabric, through to finding the best pattern cutter in the world to work with that fabric.
Fashion is component goods which traverse borders multiple times before becoming a finished product, and in order to sell, samples are taken during selling season to a variety of international markets and shows. This adds a level of complexity not dissimilar to other component goods industries such as the automotive industry. Below are the main trade concerns the BFC would like to highlight, in case of WTO rules and in a no deal scenario:

•Businesses are having to assess the impacts of WTO tariffs. It is unclear who will take on the additional costs – the businesses or the end consumers

•Understanding of time frames. It is impossible to give 24 hours’ notice to HM Revenue & Customs around goods being shipped. To compete internationally, goods need to be shipped immediately

•Understanding around definitions of samples. What will happen to travelling samples and what paperwork will be needed. The BFC already has anecdotal notes of businesses being stopped and asked for paperwork, although not currently required. Tariffs and VAT will apply to samples 

•The impact to logistics systems. Despite freight companies preparing, they can’t plan properly until they have clarity around new import and export rules. The impact on temporary warehousing. The impact of having to deal directly with brokers at ports, the paperwork associated with this and any delays this may incur. 

•VAT issues: businesses will have to do claims across 27 member states rather than to the EU as a whole

Talent

The BFC has been working with the Home Office to tackle existing known immigration issues:

•In 2018, with the Arts Council, it launched the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visas which will see the BFC become an Independent Assessor for the visa applications in the fashion industry. This will allow to secure a new route for exceptionally talented designers and fashion sector individuals to work in the UK

•In January 2019 new immigration rules laid in parliament covered Tier 5 visas used by models to enter the country, through a new Models Code of Practice

However, these changes and the proposed changes to the immigration system through the government’s white paper, would not cover skilled, lower paid workers from machinists, to language experts, leaving concerns about skills gaps for the industry. Of particular concern is the recommendation that the Tier 2 visa has a £30,000 minimum threshold on salary, with skilled roles in fashion manufacturing typically earning less than this. Similarly, the shortage occupation list does not cover any roles required by the high-end fashion industry. The BFC asks that the salary threshold and shortage occupation list are reviewed as a matter of urgency.

The BFC considers essential for the UK to retain its leading position in attracting global talent.  It is very important that communications to international students and talent is clear and highlights the fact that the fashion industry still wants them to study here, start businesses here and work here.

London Fashion Week Opens Its Doors to the Public and Announces Full Line-Up

Today, the British Fashion Council (BFC) is thrilled to announce the full catwalk schedule for the public facing shows at London Fashion Week this September. 

 
ALEXACHUNG
Saturday 14th September

 
House of Holland & self-portrait
Sunday 15th September

 
Alongside the catwalk line-up, London Fashion Week ticket holders will also have access to panel discussions with key industry figures, who will share unprecedented insight to the fashion industry. Speakers include:

Billy Porter
Tony and Grammy Award winning Entertainer and Actor

Eva Chen
Instagram, Director Fashion Partnerships

Henry Holland
House of Holland, Creative Director

Laura Brown
InStyle USA, Editor in Chief

Laura Weir
ES Magazine, Editor in Chief

Lindsay Peoples Wagner
Teen Vogue, Editor-in-Chief

As part of the new public-facing London Fashion Week proposition, the BFC has curated a Positive Fashion Designer Exhibition which will fully embrace #PositiveFashion, the initiative designed to celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create positive change. #PositiveFashion is led by three key pillars: Sustainability, Equality & Diversity, Craftsmanship & Community; each brand showcasing in the Designer Exhibition answers to one or more of those  pillars.

The BFC is today delighted to announce the designer brands and partners taking part in the Positive Fashion Designer Exhibition, which is open to both the trade and public audiences and is thrilled to give them a platform to tell their compelling stories and educate the audience on how the fashion industry can be used as a force for change*.

Ancuta Sarca
Arch & Hook BLUE
Azura Lovisa
BRIA
CHOOSE LOVE
DHL
Duran Lantink
ERIKA MAISH
Felder Felder
Foot Locker
Graduate Fashion Week Presents: Hannah Stote, Janislav Solovjov, Mariah Esa and Sally
Larabar

Mankee
GROUNDTRUTH
Hanna Fiedler
MARTINA SPETLOVA | MWOVEN            
Paolo Carzana
Patrick McDowell
RE;CODE
Seoulista Beauty
Stay Wild Swim
Stephen Webster – The story of London's Jewellery Hub
#TOGETHERBAND
TRASHMag Curates: Adam Jones, Alisa Ruzavina, Ben Sumpter, CONGREGATION Design, Coup, HERO, Hurtence, Leo Carlton, Lylies, Natalie Zipfl, Sophie Hird

Ancuta Sarca
Arch & Hook BLUE
Azura Lovisa
BRIA
CHOOSE LOVE
DHL
Duran Lantink
ERIKA MAISH
Felder Felder
Foot Locker
Graduate Fashion Week Presents: Hannah Stote, Janislav Solovjov, Mariah Esa and Sally
Larabar

Ancuta Sarca
Arch & Hook BLUE
Azura Lovisa
BRIA
CHOOSE LOVE
DHL
Duran Lantink
ERIKA MAISH
Felder Felder
Foot Locker
Graduate Fashion Week Presents: Hannah Stote, Janislav Solovjov, Mariah Esa and Sally
Larabar

Ancuta Sarca
Arch & Hook BLUE
Azura Lovisa
BRIA
CHOOSE LOVE
DHL
Duran Lantink
ERIKA MAISH
Felder Felder
Foot Locker
Graduate Fashion Week Presents: Hannah Stote, Janislav Solovjov, Mariah Esa and Sally
Larabar
Lavazza
Mankee
GROUNDTRUTH
Hanna Fiedler
MARTINA SPETLOVA | MWOVEN            
Paolo Carzana
Patrick McDowell
RE;CODE
Seoulista Beauty
Stay Wild Swim
Stephen Webster – The story of London's Jewellery Hub
#TOGETHERBAND

Mankee
GROUNDTRUTH
Hanna Fiedler
MARTINA SPETLOVA | MWOVEN            
Paolo Carzana
Patrick McDowell
RE;CODE
Seoulista Beauty
Stay Wild Swim
Stephen Webster – The story of London's Jewellery Hub
#TOGETHERBAND
TRASHMag Curates: Adam Jones, Alisa Ruzavina, Ben Sumpter, CONGREGATION Design, Coup, HERO, Hurtence, Leo Carlton, Lylies, Natalie Zipfl, Sophie Hir 

*Please refer to Editors Note at the bottom of the release for information on all the above brands

 
We are also delighted to introduce a new format to the previously known NEWGEN Pop-Up Showroom, in the form of a retrospective of key looks from all our NEWGEN designers to represent their brand.

 
A-COLD-WALL* | Ahluwalia Studio | Alighieri | Art School | ASAI
Bethany Williams | Bianca Saunders | Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY | Eftychia (ONE TO WATCH)
Halpern| Isosceles | Matty Bovan | Nicholas Daley | paria/Farzaneh
Per Gson | Richard Malone | Richard Quinn | Roker
Stefan Cooke | Supriya Lele

For the very first time, the United Nations will bring the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, also known as The Global Goals to London Fashion Week. The Goals are a universal route map and call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that every global citizen enjoys peace and prosperity by 2030. The #TOGETHERBAND tapestry installation will be part of the Positive Fashion Exhibition, to introduce the London Fashion Week audience to the goals.

The generosity and commitment of our sponsors, suppliers and supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support for London Fashion Week September 2019: Official Sponsors: Evening Standard, JD.COM, INC., LAVAZZA, LetsBab, Mercedes-Benz, NIVEA, The May Fair Hotel, The Store X, TONI&GUY, WANG MAO, Official Suppliers: Bags of Ethics, Bare Minerals, DHL, evian, Fashion & Beauty Monitor, The Gel Bottle, Getty Images, Instagram, Laräbar, Launchmetrics, S by Sloggi, With thanks to Propress, Seoulista Beauty and our Official Supporters: The Department for International Trade, The European Regional Development Fund and The Mayor of London.

To be part of the new London Fashion Week format and buy tickets click here
The London Fashion Week trade schedule is now live here
For up to the minute London Fashion Week schedule changes download the LetsBab app now here