The below timeline outlines the BFC’s Positive Fashion projects to date

Positive Fashion Timeline

June 2021

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL LAUNCHES FIRST INSTITUTE OF POSITIVE FASHION FORUM

The first Institute of Positive Fashion Forum (IPF Forum) took place. The IPF Forum was a thought leadership event designed to galvanise the British fashion industry alongside international businesses into global collaboration and local action, ahead of COP26, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, hosted in Glasgow in November. The day-long event, which took place digitally on Thursday 10th June 2021, focused on catalysts for Positive Change, hosting inspirational talks and practical action-led discussions to address the day’s agenda.

Find out more about the IPF Forum and buy access to view all content on demand here.

April 2021

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL ADOPTS THE HALO CODE

BFC announce that it has adopted The Halo Code, the UK's first Black hair code. No Black employee should have to change their natural or protective hairstyle in order to thrive at work. The BFC hopes that industry adoption of the Halo Code will move the company one step closer to a world free from discrimination, where all Black members of our community have their identities fully recognised and celebrated.

More information on how to adopt the Halo Code, can be found here.

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL LAUNCHES THE STUDENT FABRIC INITIATIVE

BFC announce the launch of the Student Fabric Initiative, a collective community action developed to support fashion students across the country in the face of the pandemic while reducing waste across the industry. 24 brands have joined together to donate materials, including deadstock and unwanted fabric, to fashion students at 33 colleges in need around the UK. Burberry supported the delivery of the material, and the initiative is supported by Charlie Porter, with additional help from MATCHESFASHION, Fora and Cozette McCreery.

February 2021

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RENEWS CALL TO SWITCH TO GREEN ENERGY WITH WETRANSFER AND SERPENTINE

Vivienne Westwood joins WePresent, the editorial platform of WeTransfer, and Serpentine to call on the public with a new campaign to SWITCH to green energy today. SWITCH forms the second instalment of Groundwork: a creative series by WePresent that documents the behind-the-scenes research into artists’ new works for Back to Earth, Serpentine’s multi-year environmental programme.

PRIYA AHLUWALIA RECEIVES THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II AWARD FOR BRITISH DESIGN

British Fashion Councilannounce that Priya Ahluwalia of Ahluwalia, is the recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The Award was presented by Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, during a virtual event. Ahluwalia is recognised for her active contribution to changing the industry for the better, her work in pioneering responsible sourcing and manufacturing techniques, while telling the stories of those who make her clothes and the communities she works with.

December 2020

INTRODUCTION OF THE 'PEOPLE' CATEGORY AT THE FASHION AWARDS

The Fashion Awards 2020 honoured and celebrated the designers, brands, creatives and individuals who created positive change within the fashion industry in 2020; from those who bravely faced this challenging period with pro-active responses to the global pandemic, showed leadership and creative resilience, to the ones who stood up against prejudice within the fashion industry and fight for change. The ‘People’ Category recognised those who led change by encouraging equal, diverse, empowered workforces from head office to supply chain and shop floor. The five honourees were Aurora James, Edward Enninful, Lindsay Peoples Wagner & Sandrine Charles for Black in Fashion Council, Priya Ahluwalia and Samuel Ross.

BURBERRY ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF REBURBERRY FABRIC IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL

Burberry announce the launch of ReBurberry Fabric, a pilot programme in partnership with the British Fashion Council and with the support of Charlie Porter and Sarah Mower. Burberry will donate leftover fabrics to fashion students most in need across the country as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting creative communities.

The BFC, through its Institute of Positive Fashion and Colleges Council, will oversee the logistics of the fabric donations, with shipments going to students throughout the UK. Together, Burberry and the BFC are creating a process whereby logistics for donations will be centralised, facilitating access to materials.

November 2020

CAROLINE RUSH, BFC CEO BECOMES CREATIVE ALLY CHAMPION AS PART OF BBC CREATIVE ALLIES TOOL LAUNCH

The BBC’s Creative Diversity Unit, led by June Sarpong launched the Creative Allies Initiative, uniting organisations inside and outside the creative industry to promote the concept of allyship. Caroline Rush, BFC CEO is amongst a number of Creative Ally Champions who have all pledged to develop the next generation of creative leaders from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in their organisations. Additionally, the leaders pledged to demonstrating their commitment to inclusion through the promotion of allyship, which is where people - at any level in an organisation - can support colleagues who may have had fewer advantages than them in life. The ambition is that many more leaders within the creative industry and beyond will also sign up as allies.

THE FASHION AWARDS 2020 TROPHY DESIGNED BY PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS

The British Fashion Council to work with Parley for the Oceans who commissioned 3D-printing design specialist Nagami to create a trophy made out of Parley Ocean Plastic®, for The Fashion Awards 2020, which this year will take on a digital format on Thursday 3rd December 2020.

The trophy represents the BFC and Parley’s commitment to encourage positive change within the fashion industry, their efforts to help raise awareness and transparency to promote a more responsible future and encourage the dialogue on environmentally conscious design. The trophy spotlights the necessity of creative collaboration and eco-innovation, essential to overcome the current global crisis.

THE BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL LAUNCHES INAUGURAL IPF PROJECT - THE WASTE ECOSYSTEM PROJECT

The British Fashion Council's Institute of Positive Fashion announce its first flagship research project, the Waste Ecosystem Project. The research will lead to a focused action-driven plan, detailing solutions for how the fashion industry can responsibly manage inventory, reduce, and move to circular business operations. The research will look at actions and infrastructures needed in key areas and outline a proposal for change across the whole value chain, and other key areas of the industry such as Education and Training, Collections and Recycling infrastructure, Textile Recycling Innovations, Upcycling and Consumer Mindset. The project’s ambition is to fast-track the move to a circular fashion industry in the UK and act as a blueprint to share with other organisations and nations to look at their efforts in creating a circular fashion industry globally.

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS AS ITS AMBASSADOR FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

The British Fashion Council announce Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its new Ambassador for Positive Change. The multi-faceted talent and global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador will join the BFC supporting the organisation’s efforts to lead the charge on change, using fashion as a positive platform to inspire future generations.

As the BFC Ambassador for Positive Change, Priyanka Chopra Jonas will support the BFC through raising awareness and promoting best practice within the fashion industry, celebrating those that adhere to inclusive and ethical principles and act as a spokesperson for the importance of creative education. The appointment is part of the BFC’s strategy around the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF), developed to help the British fashion industry lead in the goal to be more resilient, circular, equal and fair through global collaboration and local action.

October 2020

BFC’S IPF LAUNCHES LONG TERM PROJECT TO CELEBRATE BRITISH BLACK FASHION & CULTURE

The BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion announced The Missing Thread, a project in partnership with the Black Oriented Legacy Development Agency. The project will celebrate British Black Fashion & Culture from 1975 to now through a series of programmed events, culminating in a major exhibition in summer 2022.

The fashion industry currently lacks a resource of vital Black British contributions from a cultural, design and socio-political perspective, having erased many important historical narratives. The cost of neglecting these stories is detrimental to the industry as a whole. Going forward, design knowledge and history must be taught with an appreciation and awareness of the cultural contributions of all races to the fabric of British society.

The project is inspired by Joe Casely-Hayford who paved the way for Black designers working in the UK today and altered the course of this trajectory. This project honours the powerful legacy that he left behind him.

September 2020

LAUNCH OF THE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STEERING COMMITTEE

British Fashion Council announced the launch of its Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee, an essential part of the organisation’s long-term plan to fight prejudice and discrimination and galvanise the industry into action. The Committee is made up of industry and BFC representatives and its role is to address key challenges facing minority communities in gaining fair representation within the fashion industry.

June 2020

THE BFC TOOK A SERIES OF ACTIONS TO FIGHT AGAINST PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATIONS THAT INCLUDED

The appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors to its Executive Board: Jamie Gill, Chief Executive Roksanda; June Sarpong OBE, Director of Creative Diversity BBC; Scott Morrison, Founder The Boom!
The diversity monitoring of initiatives and business support programmes
Hosting fortnightly calls with the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic fashion community while developing its Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee. The calls allowed participants to address challenges and start working on solutions and next steps for the industry. More than 200 industry professionals were invited to join the calls.
The creation of a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Internal Working Group whose role is to make sure it moves the DE&I agenda forward internally with a yearlong strategy.

BFC LAUNCH THE INSTITUTE OF POSITIVE FASHION (IPF)

The British Fashion Council launched the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) website in recognition of World Ocean Day. The IPF has been developed to help the British Fashion Industry lead in the goal to be more resilient, circular, equal and fair through global collaboration and local action. The website brings together global resources, information and campaigns to help businesses increase knowledge and embrace sustainable and people led best practices.

To tie in with this launch, and World Ocean Day, Cyrill Gutsch, CEO and Founder of Parley for the Oceans, will join the BFC advisory board and the IPF steering committee. To reciprocate the partnership, Caroline Rush, BFC CEO will join the advisory board of Parley for the Oceans, creating a long-term partnership between these world-leading organisations to encourage positive change within the fashion industry. The result of this partnership will involve pro-active projects for students, education and mentoring, with Parley providing dedicated missions for the BFC and IPF network. The BFC and IPF network will help raise awareness for Ocean Conservation and, in line with the IPF environment pillar’s initial focus on reducing waste, the organisations will support Parley on a campaign to phase out single-use plastics as part of its commitment to Parley AIR (Avoid. Intercept. Redesign), Parley’s strategy to end marine plastic pollution.

The IPF aims to become the engine room for change, bringing stakeholders together to support one another and address these significant challenges as a collective.

The BFC recognises that this website is just a start and by sharing with the fashion community, government, academia and NGOs openly, it looks forward to identifying further resources that can develop the content.

By leveraging global expertise, converging research, transformative innovation and industry initiatives we believe the industry will address systemic change. The BFC and the steering committee invite creatives, innovators and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and recreate a more responsible fashion industry. The three pillars will focus on:

Environment
Exploring circular business models, circular design principles, innovative production processes, consumption and waste reduction.

People
Encouraging equal, diverse, empowered workforces from head office, to supply chain to shop floor. With open, considerate and fair places to work.

Community & Craftsmanship
Focusing on the positive impact the fashion industry has on communities and role skills and craftmanship can play in sustaining local livelihoods.

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF 'GREAT BRITISH DESIGNER FACE COVERINGS: REUSABLE, FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET' CAMPAIGN

British Fashion Council announce the launch of ‘Great British Designer Face Coverings: Reusable, for People and Planet’, a joint campaign with Bags of Ethics, to manufacture and retail internationally, sustainable and reusable non-medical face coverings to use alongside existing social distancing measures. Designed in London by six British designers, Halpern, Julien Macdonald, Liam Hodges, Mulberry, RAEBURN and RIXO the project aims to raise £1 million with 100% of sale profits going to charity and split between NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, BFC Foundation Fashion Fund and Wings of Hope Children’s Charity.

The non-medical face coverings are manufactured at Bags of EthicsTM 100% owned partner factories and provide a reusable and sustainable option for the environment with no single-use plastic. The non-medical face coverings will not deplete healthcare system. The product will be retailed at £15 for three reusable, washable, fabric face coverings with two protective pouches. These non-medical face coverings are available to buy here.

March 2020

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF BFC FOUNDATION COVID CRISIS FUND

British Fashion Council announce the launch of the BFC Foundation Covid Crisis Fund, supporting creative fashion businesses and individuals to survive the Coronavirus crisis. The BFC, through its charity the BFC Foundation which brings all BFC charitable initiatives under one umbrella, is making £1,000,000 of emergency funds available with the majority supporting designer businesses and with a portion of funds also allocated to students, underpinning the future generation of creative talent.

This has been made possible through pooling the BFC talent support grants that would have traditionally been awarded for either early stage showcasing support or business growth and promotion. BFC would like to thank all of those that have made the funds possible and our partners in the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund supported by JD.COM,INC, BFC Fashion Trust and BFC NEWGEN.

While £1 million is a great start, the scale of the need is much greater and BFC has called on both Government to step in to work with them on significant industry stimulus, and on the industry and individuals to support the Covid Crisis Fund through donations, so that more businesses can be supported at this time.

February 2020

POSITIVE FASHION EXHIBITION AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

The Positive Fashion Exhibition at London Fashion Week creates a place for visitors to discover and explore the compelling stories of how the fashion industry can be a force for change, with each exhibitor carefully chosen to demonstrate the provenance and craftsmanship of their designs by bringing their brand elements to life across the three strategic pillars of Positive Fashion. In February 2020, over 39 brands showcased presentations, awareness campaigns, see-now-by-now collections or interactive storytelling experiences. In particular, the exhibition hosted #FashionOurFuture, an interactive photo booth dedicated to the social media movement to slow down fashions' footprint, set up by Amy Powney of Mother of Pearl and a Swap Shop by Patrick McDowell with Global Fashion Exchange, where guests were encouraged to bring a worn item of clothing from their wardrobe to exchange.

ROSH MAHTANI OF ALIGHIERI NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH AWARD FOR BRITISH DESIGN

During London Fashion Week, Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri was presented with The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Alighieri’s unique jewellery, all produced in Hatton Garden, London using sustainably sourced materials, supporting the local community, manufacturing and employment.

The Princess Royal is President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), a sister organisation to the BFC and lead for industry skills development, making Her Royal Highness’ role this year significant by recognising a young business supporting craft and jewellery making in London. The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy and the movement of young designers that are both talented and making a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement. Previous winners include Bethany Williams, September 2019 and Richard Quinn in February 2018.

10 DOWNING STREET RECEPTION CELEBRATING BRITISH FASHION AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH THE LAUNCH OF GLOBAL INITIATIVES MAP

On the final day of London Fashion Week, The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, MP hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street celebrating British fashion and sustainability. Stephanie Phair, Chair and Caroline Rush, CEO, BFC both gave speeches and a presentation of the Institute of Positive Fashion’s (IPF) Global Initiatives Map to guests including members of government, designers, publishers, retailers and business leaders from the fashion industry.

Created by the IPF, the Global Initiatives Map shows the breadth of the fashion industry’s global sustainability initiatives across territories and segmented by Positive Fashion’s three pillars: Environment, People, Community & Craftsmanship. The IPF will be launched later this year with an online platform for businesses to access toolkits and information to help them become more sustainable in order to avoid duplication and provide a framework that works alongside the global initiatives from the G7 and UNFCCC, to the United Nations Office of Partnerships (UNOP).

December 2019

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL AND UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PARTNERSHIPS COLLABORATE ON THE AWARD FOR POSITIVE CHANGE AT THE FASHION AWARDS 2019

At the Fashion Awards 2019, the BFC announced new collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) that recognises businesses and individuals in fashion that make concerted efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For 2019, this collaborative initiative will celebrate the Signatories of The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, convened and facilitated by the UN Climate Change in recognition of their leadership in addressing one of the most urgent issues of our time – climate change. Going forward, each year, the BFC, working with UNOP, will recognise those making a distinct impact with the Award for Positive Change which sits in line with the SDGs.

November 2019

GLOBAL EXPERT MISSION: FASHION TECH IN NEW YORK

In early November, the BFC participated in a Global Expert Mission to New York with Innovate UK to gain insight on the US fashion industry’s plans for environmental sustainability and fashion tech innovation. In partnership with Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) and the Department of International Trade (DIT), a group of representatives from the UK fashion industry, academia and innovation, including Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, joined for a whole week of meetings to learn about the US fashion industry’s environmental priorities. The aim of the trip was to investigate strategic partnerships and fashion tech innovations that can help reduce environmental impact of the global fashion industry’s supply chain.

September 2019

DESIGNER SHOWROOMS RELAUNCH AS THE POSITIVE FASHION EXHIBITION

The Designer Showrooms at the London Fashion Week official hub, The Store X, 180 The Strand, has relaunched at London Fashion Week in September 2019 as the Positive Fashion Exhibition, a place for visitors to discover and explore the compelling stories of how the fashion industry can be a force for change, with each exhibitor carefully chosen to demonstrate the provenance and craftsmanship of their designs and bringing their brand elements to life across the three strategic pillars of Positive Fashion: Environment, People, Community & Craftsmanship.

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL LAUNCHES INSTITUTE OF POSITIVE FASHION

The BFC announced its intention to launch the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF). Through the IPF, the BFC aims to create an industry blueprint by bringing together expertise from different areas to help brands in the industry navigate an often confusing to understand topic and kick-start a much-need comprehensive step-change. Informed by research, expert opinion, industry insights and the significant industry experience of individual businesses and organisations, the power of collective effort will amplify independent activity.

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL RENEWS ADWOA ABOAH AS POSITIVE FASHION AMBASSADOR AND LAUNCHES MENTORING PROGRAMME

For 2019/2020, Adwoa turns her ambassadorship focus to education and to inspiring young people to get involved in the fashion industry by exposing them to the plethora of existing roles, other than fashion design. In September 2019, the BFC in partnership with Adwoa launched a Mentoring Programme which highlights the many different opportunities and careers in fashion and empowers young people from all backgrounds to get involved in the creative industries. The mentoring programme will involve five key industry mentors, coupled with one mentee each, who will work together over a period of four months. The programme is open to any young people 18+ starting their careers in the fashion industry or aspiring to do so; no academic background is required.

February 2019

BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL LAUNCHES FASHION STUDIO APPRENTICESHIP

The Fashion Studio Apprenticeship is part of the BFC’s Education Pillar which gives young people a clear understanding of how to train for a plethora of industry roles within the creative industries and is the Government’s 400th new approved for use apprenticeship. Designed by a group of fashion employers, with the BFC, the apprenticeship starts in the heart of a designer business: the studio, to learn how a collection is created. The apprenticeship was announced during a visit at Prendergast Vale School in Lewisham with BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush, BFC Ambassadorial President David Beckham and BFC Ambassador for Positive Fashion Adwoa Aboah. Both ambassadors play integral part in inspiring a young audience from different backgrounds to consider arts education and the creative industries when making decisions about their future.

SWITCH TO BLUE® CAMPAIGN

The Switch to BLUE® campaign aims to bring the fashion industry together to lead in ambitious environmental action, for a more sustainable and greener future. Supported by Roland Mouret and the BFC, the campaign asks that fashion businesses commit to replacing their sample hangers from a single-use plastic solution with no circular life cycle, to Arch & Hook marine plastic hangers, a 100% recycled, fully closed loop alternative to source plastic for hangers.

BFC X BBC EARTH X MOTHER OF PEARL POSITIVE FASHION PROJECT #SUSTAINABLEME

The British Fashion Council are delighted to be working with BBC Earth, the team behind the hugely influential Blue Planet series, in a partnership to discuss Positive Fashion. In the first event of its kind, this collaboration brings together the global reach of the BBC and the influence of fashion through a BBC Earth x British Fashion Council x Mother of Pearl talks series with industry visionaries and thought leaders at London Fashion Week.

The focus of the talks will be centered on the impact the fashion industry has on the planet while highlighting the positive tangible opportunity for sustainable fashion choices and mindful consumer behaviour. #SustainableMe

LONDON FASHION WEEK FEBRUARY 2019 FUR FREE

British Fashion Council announce that following a survey conducted with all London Fashion Week designers on the official catwalk and presentation schedule, no animal fur will be used at London Fashion Week September 2018. As representatives of the British fashion industry, the BFC supports the creativity of designers and keeps an open dialogue with the industry, from designers to media, retailers, business leaders, government and global brands while encouraging designers to make ethical choices when it comes to their selection of materials and supply chain.

BFC X BBC EARTH X MOTHER OF PEARL POSITIVE FASHION PROJECT #SUSTAINABLEME

LONDON FASHION WEEK FEBRUARY 2019 FUR FREE

February 2019 will mark the second London Fashion Week that the catwalks and designer showrooms at the event will be fur free. The BFC survey around use of fur continues to reflect what is seen as a cultural change with more designer businesses and international brands choosing not to show fur as part of their collections and increasingly more moving to being completely fur free businesses.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II AWARD FOR BRITISH DESIGN AT LFW

On Tuesday 19th February, the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design will be presented to Bethany Williams by the Duchess of Cornwall. The Award recognises creativity in design while embedding sustainability and community practices within the business.

MODEL ZONE AT LONDON FASHION WEEK & LONDON FASHION WEEK MEN’S

Every season the BFC hosts The Model Zone, which is advertised backstage at every show both at LFW and LFWM. It is space for models to eat, drink and relax and its location is not publicly advertised, so that it remains a safe space away from the main event. Therapists are also available for treatments daily. The BFC also operates a confidential model helpline number each season.

www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/About/Positive-Fashion/Model-Programme

#LONDONISOPEN CAMPAIGN AT LFW

The BFC supports the Mayor of London’s campaign, #LondonIsOpen which highlights the diversity and inclusivity of the city and encourages inclusiveness at a time of uncertainty in the UK. The
#LondonIsOpen campaign aims to spread the message that our greatest strengths as a city lie in diversity and the commitment is that this remains in a post-Brexit world, across industries and nationalities.

Focused on Europeans in London The Mayor has launched an EU Londoners Hub – acting as a resource to help London’s European citizens access the information they need to stay in the UK after Brexit.

For more information: EU Londoners Hub

FASHION SWITCH TO GREEN

In February 2019 20 brands and businesses have committed to the British Fashion Council and Vivienne Westwood Fashion SWITCH To Green Campaign. The project is designed to bring the fashion industry together to lead in ambitious climate action, for a safer and greener future. As part of our Positive Fashion initiative, the campaign asks industry leaders to commit to SWITCH to a green energy supplier by 2020, with the aim of having all London based designers and retailers in the fashion sector SWITCH to Green, by 2020. The year 2020 significant, tying the campaign to the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Current SWITCH to Green campaign efforts amount to an estimated 355 million kilowatt hours sourced from green energy and the equivalent of 125K tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.

For more information: Fashion SWITCH to Green

January 2019

COLLEGES COUNCIL SUSTAINABILITY SEMINAR

As part of Positive Fashion, the BFC Colleges Council conducted a Sustainability Seminar bringing together designers, activists and industry professionals to discuss the intricacies of sustainability to help students inform their practice at university and beyond.

Panellists included Orsola de Castro, Creative Director of Fashion Revolution, Dr Carmen Hijosa, Founder and Chief Creative and Innovation Officer of Pinatex, Tamsin Lejeune, CEO of Common Objective, Patrick Grant, Director of E Tautz & Community Clothing and Laura Balmond, Project Manager for the Make Fashion Circular Initiative at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

December 2018

SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR POSITIVE CHANGE AT THE FASHION AWARDS PRESENTED TO DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

September 2018

LETTER TO ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

The British Fashion Council wrote to Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Mary Creagh MP on Sustainability of the Fashion Industry and the work the BFC has done in the sustainability space since its inception.

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT #BEHINDEVERYGREATCITY CAMPAIGN

In September 2018 the BFC partnered with the Mayor of London on his #BehindEveryGreatCity women’s campaign for 2018, which aligns to our Positive Fashion messaging around female empowerment and equality. The campaign supported the centenary of the female vote and the year-long campaign is designed to highlight London’s role in the history of the women’s equality movement, celebrating significant milestones and achievements. The campaign aimed to unite people from across London’s leading industries – including food, fashion, theatre, advertising, politics and public life – to support the ongoing success of women and shift the dial towards gender equality in the capital.

A pivotal moment in the campaign’s calendar was September so to align with London Fashion Week the BFC secured window take overs of the campaign with Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason.

LONDON FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 2018 FUR FREE

Following a survey conducted with all London Fashion Week designers on the official catwalk and presentation schedule, no animal fur was used at London Fashion Week September 2018. As representatives of the British fashion industry, the BFC supports the creativity of designers and keeps an open dialogue with the industry, from designers to media, retailers, business leaders, government and global brands while encouraging designers to make ethical choices when it comes to their selection of materials and supply chain.

The BFC survey results reflect a cultural change based on ideals and choices made by designer businesses, international brands as well as consumer sentiment but also encouraged by the stance of multi-brand stores who are moving away from selling fur.

July 2018

TIER 1 EXCEPTIONAL TALENT VISAS

The British Fashion Council announced in July that it had been working with Arts Council England (ACE), in partnership with the Home Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to expand and promote the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa to fashion industry applicants, which took effect on 6th July 2018.

The BFC will be an Independent Assessor for Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa applications in the fashion industry, to secure a new route for exceptionally talented designers and fashion sector individuals to work in the UK. The number of Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visas that the government is willing to approve was increased in November 2017 from 1000 to 2000 which has created significant opportunity for the fashion industry in the UK to attract and retain key designers, talent and creatives.

June 2018

BFC JOINS THE DEFRA COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush joined the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs Council for Sustainable Business, Chaired by John Vincent. Information shared at the Council relating to waste and single use plastics will be shared at the 2019 BFC Positive Fashion Forum as part of tackling single use plastics and waste in the industry.

DIGITISATION OF LONDON FASHION WEEK & LONDON FASHION WEEK MEN’S

In June 2018, the BFC moved to a digital registration system at London Fashion Week Men’s and for future London Fashion Week events by introducing digital passes, reducing paper and plastic waste from all future events.

BFC COLLEGES COUNCIL - BEST PRACTICE FOR INDUSTRY

The BFC Colleges Council is a membership programme representing the leading fashion departments in universities and colleges throughout the UK. The BFC Colleges Council hosts a series of events and competitions throughout the academic year to offer students and course leaders the opportunity to interact with the industry, gaining invaluable insight and experience in the process.

The BFC is committed to helping create an industry that drives forward best practice behaviours and supports an inclusive, diverse and sustainable fashion industry. As such, the BFC has developed a ‘Best Practice Guide for Interns’ and a ‘Student Placement Learning Agreement’ with members of the BFC Colleges Council and Sheridans’ legal counsel.

May 2018

PRINCE CHARLES – SUSTAINABILITY DESIGNER SEMINAR

In May 2018, the BFC invited HRH the Prince of Wales, a long advocate for environmentalism, to meet with British designers and businesses who are committed to sustainability and championing positive change to discuss their work and thoughts on how the industry can improve its impact on the environment. His Royal Highness spent time in the company of businesses such as Bethany Williams, Mother of Pearl and Teatum Jones discussing material innovation, the circular economy, community and craftsmanship.

Earlier in the day, The Prince of Wales was joined by The Duchess of Cornwall at a visit to the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP’s Tech Hub where they were met by CEO Federico Marchetti and BFC CEO, Caroline Rush. There, the Royal guests saw some of the tech advancements as well YNAP’s commitment to the next generation of technology pioneers; joining a coding class alongside more than 60 local schoolgirls participating in a hackathon as part of a partnership with Imperial College London.

DAVID BECKHAM OBE – REACHING YOUNG TALENT FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS

David Beckham OBE was appointed as the BFC Ambassadorial President. The global role has an initial two-year tenure and will support the organisation in its goal to build networks and partnerships in the United States and Asia.

In addition to promoting ongoing innovation in the sector, a key focus of the role will be supporting the BFC across their Education pillar – helping them to reach young talent from all backgrounds across the UK - through BFC run Saturday Clubs, scholarships and apprenticeships and via increased engagement in arts education.

So far in his new role, David has visited Manchester Metropolitan University to meet students, graduates and lecturers. This included presentations from BFC Education Foundation scholarship alumni, local community projects and Fashion & Business Saturday Club members. During London Fashion Week Men’s June 2018, David and Dylan Jones, BFC Menswear Chair hosted a breakfast to celebrate new creative talent and NEWGEN.

BFC SUSTAINABILITY ROUNDTABLE AT LONDON CRAFT WEEK

The British Fashion Council hosted a panel discussion on sustainability at London Craft Week. As part of Positive Fashion ‘Crafting Fashion through a Sustainable Lens’ was chaired by Frances Corner in discussion with fashion designers Christopher Raeburn, Bethany Williams and founder of The Sustainable Angle, Nina Marenzi.

March 2018

POSITIVE FASHION ROUNDTABLE AT BRITISH EMBASSY PARIS

Kering and the British Fashion Council hosted a Positive Fashion Roundtable Event at the British Embassy in Paris during Paris Fashion Week. Britain’s ambassador to France Edward Llewellyn opened his residence to the fashion industry to discuss sustainability in a roundtable setting featuring Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s chief sustainability officer, Claire Bergkamp, who heads sustainability and ethical trade for Stella McCartney, Frances Corner of the London College of Fashion and Tamsin Lejeune of the Ethical Fashion Forum, moderated by Godfrey Deeny, editor in chief of Fashionnetwork.com.

February 2018

QUEEN ELIZABETH II AWARD FOR BRITISH DESIGN

Her Majesty The Queen presented the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to emerging British fashion designer Richard Quinn at London Fashion Week in February 2018. The Award, initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy, will be awarded annually, presented by a senior member of the Royal Family, to an emerging British fashion designer of womenswear, menswear, or accessories that shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or strong sustainable policies.

Richard Quinn is a leading emerging fashion talent in the UK, recognised for his exceptional prints and has already been marked for success as part of the BFC’s NEWGEN talent identification and support scheme. Already selling to leading stores around the world, his ethos of collaboration goes beyond his design business which has seen collaborations with global stores such as Lane Crawford and MatchesFashion, into creating a print studio, offering high quality, price accessible services to students, his peer group of emerging designers and more recently offering sampling services to more established businesses.

The idea of the Award was raised by Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Ms Angela Kelly, who has orchestrated The Queen’s wardrobe for over 26 years. Following Her Majesty's 90th birthday celebrations, it was agreed that an Award would be created to recognise emerging British Fashion Talent in the name of Queen Elizabeth II, to provide a legacy of support for the industry in recognition the role fashion has played throughout The Queen's Reign and continues to play in diplomacy, culture and communications. Each year a designer will be selected by the BFC, in collaboration with the Royal Household, to be recognised by this Award.

COMMONWEALTH FASHION EXCHANGE EVENT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange event hosted at Buckingham Palace during London Fashion Week showcased the wealth of design and artisan fashion talent across the commonwealth’s 53 countries. The project launched by Commonwealth Secretary General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland and Livia Firth, founder of sustainability consultancy Eco-Age was a major new initiative that promotes new networks, trade links and lasting sustainable supply chains. The project was developed in partnership with Swarovski, The Woolmark Company and matchesfashion.com

KERING & LCF LAUNCH THE WORLD’S FIRST OPEN-ACCESS DIGITAL COURSE IN SUSTAINABLE LUXURY FASHION AT LFW

Kering and London College of Fashion, UAL (LCF) launched the world’s first open-access digital course in luxury fashion and sustainability at London Fashion Week. Entitled “Fashion & Sustainability: Understanding Luxury Fashion in a Changing World”, the course aims to strengthen sustainability education in the luxury and fashion realms in order to promote the wider adoption of more sustainable practices.

Co-developed by LCF academics and Kering sustainability experts, the course is built on six key modules including: Why Sustainability Matters in Fashion, Contextualising Sustainability for a Changing World, Sustainable Sourcing for Luxury Fashion, and Informed Decision-Making. Through a mix of films, podcasts, activities and discussions, the course covers both the theoretical aspects of sustainability as well as real-life business cases that luxury fashion brands face when integrating sustainability. Over a six-week period, spanning a total of 18 teaching hours, learners will have the possibility to complete the course at their leisure via the mobile, tablet and desktop-friendly platform.

December 2017

MODELS FIRST INITIATIVE

In December 2017 we announced a new Models First initiative that sees the British Fashion Council working alongside the newly formed British Fashion Model Agency Association, with the aim of setting best practice for the modelling industry and lobbying to remove barriers for models and talented individuals to work in the UK.

The British Fashion Model Agency Association (BFMAA) aims to unite the UK modelling industry to face and tackle industry challenges and recognise legitimate model agencies that sign-up to a code of Best Practice. The Models First Initiative, is chaired by the BFC and will form an independent committee comprising leading individuals from the fashion industry to develop a charter that will protect and give a voice to models. To reach someone at the BFC to discuss the Models First Initiative please call 020 7759 1996 or email models@britishfashioncouncil.com.

The BFC is also an independent, confidential contact point for models and model agencies, students and industry to flag poor practice and report abuse through the Model Zone. More information can be found here

SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR POSITIVE CHANGE AWARDED TO MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI AT THE FASHION AWARDS

The Positive Change Award, sponsored by Swarovski celebrates an individual who has made a positive impact on society, the environment or both, and forms part of Swarovski’s efforts to promote a more sustainable future for us all. The recipients acknowledge the challenges our world faces and actively seek to address them using their resources to achieve change and positive impact. Maria Grazia Chiuri received the Swarovski Award for Positive Change at The Fashion Awards on Monday 4th December 2017 at the Royal Albert Hall in London for her contribution to women’s empowerment in the fashion industry.

As the first female Creative Director in Dior’s history, Maria Grazia Chiuri has, since her appointment in July 2016, created a new chapter for the French luxury house and brought the debate around female empowerment to the fashion runway. Her collections connect fashion to feminism, always responding to the current political climate. Chiuri’s use of Linda Nochlin’s battle-cry essay Why have there been no great women artists? and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists essay and TEDx talk at the Dior shows has truly reverberated around the world, and placed fashion directly within the wider discussions around women’s equality, inspiring many other designers to follow her lead.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD FOR INNOVATION PRESENTED TO STELLA McCARTNEY AT THE FASHION AWARDS

The Fashion Awards 2017 in partnership with Swarovski awarded Stella McCartney OBE with a Special Recognition Award for Innovation, celebrating her outstanding contribution to the fashion industry. McCartney was honoured on Monday 4 December 2017 at the Royal Albert Hall for her commitment to sustainable fashion, material innovation and for utilising her influence to create a positive environmental impact on the industry. Her constant investment as a responsible, authentic and modern business is what makes her one of the industry’s most respected designers.

September 2017

ADWOA ABOAH APPOINTED BFC POSITIVE FASHION AMBASSADOR

In September 2017 the BFC announced the appointment of Adwoa Aboah as their Positive Fashion Ambassador for Model Health and Diversity, in a role designed to help the BFC lead the charge on change and use fashion as a positive platform to inspire future generations.

FASHION SWITCH TO GREEN CAMPAIGN

In September 2017 The British Fashion Council, Dame Vivienne Westwood and the Mayor joined forces in a campaign to bring the fashion industry together to lead in ambitious climate action, for a safer and greener future. Fashion SWITCH to Green asked fashion businesses to commit to SWITCH offices and stores to a green electricity supplier or to a green energy tariff by 2020. The year 2020 significant, tying the campaign to the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; whose goal it is to prevent what scientists regard as dangerous and irreversible levels of climate change. 20 brands are committed to the campaign with further brands continuing to be approached.

March 2017

HIGH-END & DESIGNER MANUFACTURERS DATABASE

Many British designers manufacture in the UK. There are brilliant, highly skilled units throughout the UK, with a concentration in and around London. It is essential that we continue to work closely with manufacturers and help promote their services as they are a key part of the talent eco-system in the UK.

In March 2017 the BFC launched the High-End and Designer Manufacturers Database, a national database of UK manufacturers, which aims to make it easier for designers to gain ethical supply chain certificates and facilitate successful relationships between designers and production units.

The initiative was a direct recommendation from the Manufacturing Report, published in 2015, undertaken by Oxford Economics (OE) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) to resolve challenges faced by designers in finding the right production partners in the UK and the concerns around the long-term viability of existing units.

2016

The British Fashion Council would like to thank Positive Fashion lead partner (2013-2016) M&S for their commitment to our initiative and their passion for developing and celebrating best practice in our industry.

In May 2016 in line with its aim to focus on best practice the Positive Fashion Committee partnered with the ‘Make it British – Meet the Manufacturer’ trade fair to host an event where a panel discussion between key industry figures, designers and manufacturers focused on helping designers to engage manufacturers in a way which secures the best results for all parties.

2015

Positive Fashion’s first focus was on the challenges around High-End Designer Manufacturing in the UK. In March 2015 the BFC and a smaller working group comprising of M&S, UKFT, Creative Skillset, The Alliance Project and Centre for Fashion Enterprise worked alongside independent specialists in the sector to launch the High-end and Designer Manufacturing Report. The research was undertaken by Oxford Economics (OE) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) to resolve challenges faced by designers in finding the right production partners in the UK and the concerns around the long-term viability of existing units.

Download the full Manufacuturing Report

A High-End Manufacturing Steering Committee continues to drive this work forward, with initial mapping of units and resourcing underway with access to audits to assist in assessing and developing standards.

2014

A Positive Change Committee of BFC patrons, brands and advisors was created to support the development of the Positive Fashion strategy and advise on implementation of its three key pillars: Compliance (awareness of legislation and forthcoming legislation), Corporate Social Responsibility best practice guides) and Consumer (consumer engagement).

Download the full Positive Fashion Report

2013

In 2013, the BFC executive board set the challenge to develop the organisation’s ethical and sustainable agenda. Meeting the board’s remit, a new stream of work called Positive Fashion was launched, supported by lead partner M&S, putting a broader focus on celebrating and encouraging Best Practice in the sector.

2006 - 2013

In 2006 the British Fashion Council launched Estethica, a pioneering scheme to put sustainable fashion at the heart of the mainstream industry by creating a showcase within London Fashion Week. Co-founders of Estethica, Orsola de Castro, Filippo Ricca and Anna Orsini, helped develop the strategy to pave the way for sustainable fashion business to be celebrated, whilst promoting an agenda of addressing waste, organic materials and fairtrade. The mentoring support provided through this scheme assisted new businesses to develop their sustainable agenda whilst developing commercially successful businesses. Christopher Raeburn is the most successful designer to come through Estethica, showing at both London Fashion Week and London Collections Men, part of NEWGEN supported by Topshop in the early years and shortlisted for the BFC/GQ Menswear Fund prize. In 2014, it was agreed that Orsola, Filiippo and Anna would independently continue the great work of Estethica, which would continue to be recognised by the BFC as they develop it into its next phase.

The British Fashion Council would like to thank those who have already contributed to its Positive Fashion Strategy since its inception -

Adam Kelly, Fenwick Limited
Alba Damico, Yoox Net a Porter
Amy Powney, Mother of Pearl
Anna Orsini, Estethica
Annette Cremin, Selfridges
Belinda Earl, Marks & Spencer
Brigitte Stepputtis, Vivienne Westwood
Caroline Rush, CEO British Fashion Council
Catarina Midby, H&M
Christopher Raeburn, Raeburn
Centre for Fashion Enterprise
Christopher Moore and Glasgow Caledonian University
Creative Skillset
Dana Gers, Jimmy Choo
Daniella Vega, Selfridges
Dax Lovegrove, Swarovski
Diana Verde Nieto, Positive Luxury
Ian Lane, UAL
Emma Byrne, Harvey Nichols
Eoghan Griffin, John Lewis Partnership
Eva Von Alvensleben, Kering
Filippo Ricca, Estethica
Frances Corner, London College of Fashion & The Centre for Sustainable Fashion
Jessi Baker, Provenance
Juliet Warkentin, Amazon Fashion
Krishan Hundal, Marks & Spencer
Laura McCuaig, Vivienne Westwood
M&S, Lead Positive Fashion Partner (2013-2016)
Orsola de Castro, Fashion Revolution
Oxford Economics
Paula Nickolds, John Lewis Partnership
Roberto Canevari, Burberry
Shadi Halliwell, Harvey Nichols
Simon Colbeck, Sicol Consulting
Sophie Matthews, British Fashion Council
Stephen Sunnucks, Gap
Tamsin Lejeune, Common Objective
Tania Littlehales, Marks & Spencer
The Alliance Project
UKFT
Vanessa Podmore, Podmore Consulting