A necessity, not a luxury

Global leaders in the fashion industry, entrepreneurs, politicians, CEOs and the brightest stars of British fashion reunited today in the Great Hall. On the cards, the British Fashion Council’s (BFC) inaugural Fashion Forum. 

 

 

Engaging and collaborating with stakeholders across the supply chain is part of the daily routine at the British Fashion Council, a dynamic reflected in today’s inaugural gathering. By bringing together multiple stakeholders the BFC is crafting a “think tank”, to debate the big issues and showcase the ideas of industry leaders. Spotlighting sustainability, a dedicated session “Necessity not Luxury”, saw Kering’s Marie-Claire Daveu take to the floor and open discussion on the outlook facing the fashion industry:

 

   “SUSTAINABILITY IS THE ONLY WAY TO ANSWER MANY OF THE MAJOR ISSUES OF THIS CENTURY: POPULATION GROWTH AND INCREASING DEMANDS, RESOURCE SCARCITY, LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY AND OF COURSE CLIMATE CHANGE.”

 

At the British Fashion Council, sustainability is well past its’ inauguration days. From the offset, the aim of the BFC has been to harness and share collective knowledge, experiences and resources across the fashion industry. Small wonder that the not-for-profit organisation has taken to caring for the future of British fashion, and supporting the sustainable development of the sector. Back in 2006, the BFC founded Esthetica, to showcase designers committed to working eco sustainably: favouring the inclusion of organic fibres, fair trade and ethical practices in the production process, or the use of up-cycled and recycled fabrics. Estethica most recently sewed its way into London Fashion Week with the launch of an Esthetica clothing tag in February of this year. Woven into the agenda again today at this the first Fashion Forum, it is clear sustainability holds a front row position at the British Fashion Council.