Latest news with #BritishFashionCouncil
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Big-hitter Karen Blackett joins BFC board
High-profile government, media and marketing specialist Karen Blackett is set to bring a 'wealth of experience' to the British Fashion Council 's (BFC) board of directors. She succeeds June Sarpong, whose board tenure ends this month. Recognised as a 'globally-renowned business leader', Blackett has held senior positions at leading marketing agencies and has extensive expertise in government engagement, the BFC said. The latter associations include as No 10 Downing Street's business ambassador to the Department for International Trade, non-executive board member for The Cabinet Office, and the prime minister's Race Equality Business Champion. Blackett 'has also been instrumental in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives' within her roles. David Pemsel, chair, British Fashion Council, said: 'Karen's appointment comes at a critical time for the British fashion industry. She brings an established relationship with government and a strong track record in shaping policy and fostering cross-sector collaboration. 'Her invaluable experience will strengthen the BFC's ability to advocate for the industry and ensure British fashion remains a vital part of the UK's cultural and economic landscape.' Blackett added: 'I can ensure that the contributions of the British fashion industry are understood, championed and cherished. It's a sector we should be extremely proud of and one where we continue to pioneer.'
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Big-hitter Karen Blackett joins BFC board
High-profile government, media and marketing specialist Karen Blackett is set to bring a 'wealth of experience' to the British Fashion Council 's (BFC) board of directors. She succeeds June Sarpong, whose board tenure ends this month. Recognised as a 'globally-renowned business leader', Blackett has held senior positions at leading marketing agencies and has extensive expertise in government engagement, the BFC said. The latter associations include as No 10 Downing Street's business ambassador to the Department for International Trade, non-executive board member for The Cabinet Office, and the prime minister's Race Equality Business Champion. Blackett 'has also been instrumental in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives' within her roles. David Pemsel, chair, British Fashion Council, said: 'Karen's appointment comes at a critical time for the British fashion industry. She brings an established relationship with government and a strong track record in shaping policy and fostering cross-sector collaboration. 'Her invaluable experience will strengthen the BFC's ability to advocate for the industry and ensure British fashion remains a vital part of the UK's cultural and economic landscape.' Blackett added: 'I can ensure that the contributions of the British fashion industry are understood, championed and cherished. It's a sector we should be extremely proud of and one where we continue to pioneer.'
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Big-hitter Karen Blackett joins BFC board
High-profile government, media and marketing specialist Karen Blackett is set to bring a 'wealth of experience' to the British Fashion Council 's (BFC) board of directors. She succeeds June Sarpong, whose board tenure ends this month. Recognised as a 'globally-renowned business leader', Blackett has held senior positions at leading marketing agencies and has extensive expertise in government engagement, the BFC said. The latter associations include as No 10 Downing Street's business ambassador to the Department for International Trade, non-executive board member for The Cabinet Office, and the prime minister's Race Equality Business Champion. Blackett 'has also been instrumental in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives' within her roles. David Pemsel, chair, British Fashion Council, said: 'Karen's appointment comes at a critical time for the British fashion industry. She brings an established relationship with government and a strong track record in shaping policy and fostering cross-sector collaboration. 'Her invaluable experience will strengthen the BFC's ability to advocate for the industry and ensure British fashion remains a vital part of the UK's cultural and economic landscape.' Blackett added: 'I can ensure that the contributions of the British fashion industry are understood, championed and cherished. It's a sector we should be extremely proud of and one where we continue to pioneer.'
Fashion United
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
BFC taps Karen Blackett to board of directors
The British Fashion Council (BFC) is turning to the expertise of former government official and marketing leader Karen Blackett to flesh out its board of directors. Blackett's appointment to the board comes as June Sarpong prepares to wrap up her tenure at the organisation by the end of June. Blackett brings to the BFC experience at leading marketing agencies and government engagement, having served as a Department for International Trade Business Ambassador for 10 Downing Street, a non-executive board member for The Cabinet Office and as a former race equality business champion for the prime minister. It is exactly this that BFC chair, David Pemsel, was drawn to in bringing Blackett on board. Speaking on her appointment, Pemsel said: 'She brings an established relationship with the government and a strong track record in shaping policy and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Her invaluable experience will strengthen the BFC's ability to advocate for the industry and ensure British fashion remains a vital part of the UK's cultural and economic landscape.' Former government official to inject expertise into shifting BFC As part of the BFC board, Blackett will join in the council's mission to champion British fashion through programmes intended to elevate creative talent. In her own statement, Blackett said she was excited to join the team and 'help however I can [to] ensure that the contributions of the British fashion industry are understood, championed and cherished'. She continued: 'It's a sector we should be extremely proud of and one where we continue to pioneer.' Blackett joins the BFC as it continues to overhaul its structure, evidenced by its refocus on creating 'a catalyst for change' and uplifting emerging, local talent. In 2023, Pemsel issued a letter addressed to BFC members detailing the idea behind the overhaul, and its overall mission to revive the local fashion industry. Much of this centred on rebranding LFW June, which had initially been dedicated to menswear, but will now no longer exist, much like its former January fashion week. Blackett's relations with the government is also critical, given that the BFC has often called on politicians to enact and reinstate policies, such as VAT-free shopping for tourists, to benefit the local fashion industry. In January 2025, the BFC successfully secured new financing from the UK government to back its BFC NewGen programme for emerging designers, supporting show venues, presentation costs and business mentoring for participants.
Fashion Network
28-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
London-based designer wins Visa's 'Recycle the Runway' competition
London-based Peruvian fashion designer Genaro Rivas has been crowned overall winner of 'Recycle the Runway', a new initiative from Visa. The award comes with a share of the £20,000 prize fund and ongoing mentorship from leading industry experts. The initiative is part of the payments giant's 'Young Creators' series spotlighting the next generation of circular fashion talent in the UK. Unveiled at an immersive showcase in Central London, his signature brand Genaro Rivas, which blends Peru's textile heritage with modern London design, was recognised for its 'innovative approach to circularity, ethical sourcing, and creative excellence'. He was selected by a judging panel including representatives from London College of Fashion, British Fashion Council, Vogue Business, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and artist Sophie Tea. Five other winning designers, Gbadebo, Fanfare Label, Marinava, Sondor and Been, were also recognised. FingsbyFloss, who received an Honourable Mention, will also receive expert mentorship to support the development of their circular fashion business. This year's competition attracted applicants from across the UK, "all demonstrating a strong commitment to circular fashion practices. Following a rigorous selection process, six emerging talents were chosen to bring their visions to the runway. Tea said: 'What's so exciting about Recycle the Runway is how Genaro Rivas is blending bold self-expression with purpose-driven design. As someone who built a business through the support of digital platforms and community, I know how far the right visibility can go and I'm thrilled to be part of something that's backing the next wave of creators and entrepreneurs shaping fashion's future.'
