British Fashion Council and David Pemsel reveal new strategic priorities
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has been at the forefront of the British Fashion industry since 1983; with the appointment of David Pemsel as the new Chair in September of last year, the BFC is putting its new strategic priorities into motion, aimed at further elevating the British fashion scene.
In a letter sent to members on June 9, Pemsel stated how the three main pillars of BFC’s strategic priorities will target innovation, responsible growth and sustainability and the amplification of its global network.
British Fashion Council Chair David Pemsel
One of Pemsel’s most significant focuses since his appointment has been sustainability. Recognizing the urgency of fashion’s environmental challenges, Pemsel has initiated several programs to promote ethical practices within the industry. The BFC launched the Institute of Positive Fashion, a platform dedicated to driving best practices and encouraging better future fashion business decisions.
With the rapid advancements of technology and how it is impacting the fashion industry, Pemsel is focusing on incorporating tech innovation into the British Fashion Council’s strategies. He’s championing the use of digital platforms and virtual experiences to introduce AI generated runway shows, and more.
L-R BACK: BFC members Dylan Jones OBE, Caroline Rush CBE, David Pemsel, and José Neves. L-R FRONT: BFC members Anya Hindmarch CBE, and Dame Natalie Massenet MBE
Under Pemsel’s leadership, the BFC has also strengthened its global presence by fostering international collaborations. Recognizing the importance of a global network, the BFC is providing financial support, educational resources and industry connections to the next generation of British designers. Names like Chopova Lowena, Fruity Booty, Molly Goddard and NEOUS are only some of the names the BFC has chosen to sponsor this year.
Pemsel is also committed to diversity and inclusivity, and has written it into BFC’s strategies. He has emphasized the need for representation across all aspects of the industry, from runways to boardrooms. He has also introduced the “Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee” made up of industry leaders and experts to ensure diversity and inclusivity are embedded in all BFC initiatives. The committee aims to provide opportunities for emerging talents of all backgrounds.
As the former CEO of the Guardian Media Group and founder of communications agency Science Magic Inc, Pemsel succeeded the previous Chair of the BFC, Stepahnie Phair in September of last year. Having held a position on the executive board on the BFC until 2019, Pemsel’s guidance of where its forthcoming agenda will lead includes raising awareness of British fashion more broadly. He says: ‘The coronavirus crisis and Brexit both pushed the UK government to evolve its relationship with the fashion industry, but there’s still work to be done.’
Want more on advancements in the fashion industry? Read the latest on the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Carolina Pucciarelli is a Glossi Mag contributor.
In her final year of journalism school at Toronto Metropolitan University, Carolina loves Octavia Butler novels, Guillermo del Toro movies and a good skincare regimen.
