Today, we, the British Fashion Council (BFC) and Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) announce a new collaboration, joining forces to align their efforts to accelerate the industry's sustainability actions across the Nordic and British fashion markets.
As part of the collaboration, the BFC will roll out the Sustainability Requirements framework developed by CPHFW. This will kick off with the BFC NEWGEN in partnership with Pull&Bear initiative in 2025, where the Minimum Standards will be embedded into the existing mandatory criteria for admission. Following an onboarding and piloting period, the full implementation will come into effect fully by January 2026.
BFC NEWGEN is the world leading designer programme which supports the best emerging fashion design talent and represents key voices in the British fashion industry. Applications open today for highly creative designer fashion businesses that has been actively trading for less than 3 years.
Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council said, "We are thrilled to align with the Copenhagen Fashion Week Sustainability Requirements across BFC NEWGEN in partnership with Pull&Bear, this builds on our existing Minimum Standards and reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change across the global fashion industry. This partnership is a significant step in ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to the future of fashion. Together, we are creating a framework that empowers emerging designer fashion businesses to lead the way and contribute tangibly to a more sustainable and responsible industry."
Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week said, "We are delighted to join forces with the British Fashion Council to further expand the reach of our Sustainability Requirements. This partnership not only fosters much-needed industry alignment but also underscores the unique potential of fashion weeks and councils to drive positive change within the industry. With the British Fashion Council, as an influential player in the global fashion landscape, we see a lot of potential to further amplify the impact of our collective commitment to sustainability."
This partnership is a key part of the BFC’s ongoing work through its Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF). The IPF was launched as a think tank to address the fashion industry’s environmental impact and aims to guide the industry toward sustainable practices, promoting climate action while serving as a platform for research, collaboration and education to accelerate positive change. 2025 marks five years of the IPF and this collaboration with CPHFW underscores the BFC’s continued commitment to drive a more sustainable future.