Dear BFC Community,
2025 is racing ahead, bringing constant economic shifts and new challenges for our industry. At this pivotal time, we’re thrilled to welcome Laura Weir as CEO of the British Fashion Council from Monday 28th April.
This marks a new chapter for the BFC and our role has never been more important. Our mission remains clear: to champion British fashion on the world stage, foster business growth, and convene the industry to secure our global reputation for innovation and creativity.
The new US tariffs pose a serious concern for the community, forcing many to choose between price hikes and tighter margins. The US is a vital export market, and we are working closely with the UK Department of Business and Trade to advocate for tariff free entry for UK fashion goods into the US market and to support global UK fashion exports. We encourage brands impacted by the change in the US tariff regime to provide evidence and data to the BFC so that we can make the strongest case possible.
Big thank you to those of you who attended the 5th annual Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) Forum last month. The event, which BFC Members and Patrons have exclusive access to, this year focused on decarbonisation and circularity. If you missed it or would like to rewatch some of the brilliant conversations, you can catch up here.
A warm welcome to new BFC Patrons; Daydream, Pandora, Dylon, Santander, MixZ, Eldon Square, Gordon Ramsay, H&M, Nobody's Child, Topshop, Boots, Joseph and Trafford Centre and BFC Designer Members; Bocan Couture, Charlotte Simone, Conner Ives, Georgina Yvonne, Jawara Alleyne, Karina Bond, Khanh Brice Nguyen, Khanum’s, knatchbull, Lalunah, MARUICE SEDWELL, Nudea, Objets Daso, Olivia Rose The Label, RENATA BRENHA, STUDIO NICHOLSON, THE WELL WORN and Twin by Tare Isaa.
We have a lot to look forward to in the coming months, starting with an office move to 180 Strand, the home of London Fashion Week and a hub for creative innovation.
This spring, we will celebrate the recipients of BFC NEWGEN, the BFC/Vogue and BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Funds, and BFC Fashion Trust, which marks its 15th anniversary this year. We will also unveil the impact of the BFC Foundation and the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. Thanks to our BFC Foundation Patrons, Co-Chairs Tania Fares and Narmina Marandi, and all judges and mentors involved.
We’re proud to support fashion’s role in major events this year, including the World Retail Congress in May and SXSW London in June. The BFC Foundation is also partnering with Cadogan as charity partner for Chelsea in Bloom, celebrating fashion and flowers across retail in the area. London’s cultural influence remains strong.
Through the BFC Foundation, LONDON show ROOMS will now run four editions annually in Paris, deepening retail connections for UK designers.
London Fashion Week presented by 1664 Blanc will remain co-ed in February and September, with an expanded national footprint this September through retail activations in Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool. While we won’t host a formal LFW in June, our focus will shift to driving commercial opportunities and business growth for designers—particularly in menswear. We’ll collaborate with buyers, media, and leverage our own channels to spotlight the evolving story of British menswear, connecting talent with new audiences and markets. We were delighted that the Mayor of London announced a £10million boost to London’s creative industries last month, including support over 4 years for London Fashion Week and other BFC projects.
Wrapping up the year, The Fashion Awards will return on 1st December to raise critical funds for the BFC Foundation, with the support of Principal Partner Pandora.
As our financial year closes, I want to thank our Executive Board and team for delivering a strong strategy in a tough environment. As is the remit of a not-for-profit, this year we have raised and invested more in our work than ever and are delighted to welcome a growing number of designers, brands, and businesses into our community.
A heartfelt thanks to Caroline Rush for her remarkable leadership over the past 16 years. Her calm, visionary approach has shaped our engaged, connected community—from students and start-ups to global brands and government.
Lastly, thank you to you, our community and partners. Your participation is vital to everything we do.