Dear BFC Community,
As 2024 draws to a close, I wanted to say thank you, to reflect on our impact and to look forward to the year ahead.
It has been an extraordinary year, a tough year for many with a backdrop of change and uncertainty. As ever, I have been inspired by the collective impact of our industry, the energy and creativity of our designers and the generosity of our Patrons, Partners and Funders both financially and in giving their time and expertise to support and nurture the next generation.
London Fashion Week presented by 1664 Blanc celebrated 40 years throughout 2024 which focused on the people and collections past and present that have built London’s reputation as a leading cultural capital. We spotlighted the creative community of leaders, innovators, thinkers, makers and doers - the legacy of brilliant creative talent is core to who we are and our disproportionate global impact. As we look forward to February LFW we are delighted to welcome back 1664 Blanc and other Partners, we will continue to spotlight the importance of nurturing talent and look forward to welcoming Media and Retailers to the capital to discover the collections.
Our first BFC Foundation Impact Report focused on the importance of investing in the pipeline of talent and the work of the charity in nurturing talent from scholarships, BFC NEWGEN, BFC Vogue & GQ Fashion Funds and the BFC Fashion Trust, £4.3million has been distributed over the past 4 years. This year’s applications are currently open so please encourage designers to apply if they are eligible. We will celebrate the winners next May along with the QEII Award for British Design.
One year in, the Circular Fashion Innovation Network has built strong foundation of businesses and NGO’s who are united in their commitment to a circular fashion eco-system. This compliments the work of the BFC Institute of Positive Fashion which celebrates 5 years in 2025. You will have been invited to join us at the IPF Forum on 20th March, please put this date in your diary.
Most recently, The Fashion Awards presented by Pandora, was a celebration of Community, Culture and Creativity. It is a privilege to host these international awards in London, thank you to Pandora and to all those who participate and buy tables, this event is essential to investing in the next generation of talent and to the global reputation of the British fashion industry globally. Congratulations to all our winners. Catch up on the event here.
As designers and business continue to face change and multiple challenges for business, the importance of the BFC community is clear and more important than ever. This year we have delivered 4 leadership dinners, 9 webinars, 6 networking events, the IPF Forum and a series of government roundtables. Our first BFC Growth Forum: Commercialising Creativity was a fantastic success and put a focus on commercial opportunities for designers, plans are underway to develop this for 2025.
Thank you for your participation which is vital, I want to welcome those who have joined the community since September:
- BFC Patrons: Fenwick, Batra Group, Dylon, Pandora, The Brand Group, Santander
- Designer Members: Scamp & Dude, Raeburn, Tove, Roksanda, Harris Reed, Georgia Wang Jewellery, WEVE205, Nicholas Daley, Kasa Lin, Gina Shoes, Annie’s Ibiza
As we look forward to 2025, I am excited for what lies ahead. We will continue to focus on UK’s thriving fashion community, we have a busy year ahead in January and will share some dates for your diaries in the New Year.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Caroline, it was a pleasure to celebrate her legacy at The Fashion Awards, the search for her successor is underway and we will share more in the new year.
Wishing you all happy festive period and a prosperous new year.
Very best wishes.
David Pemsel, Chairman