The British Fashion Council (BFC) has recently taken a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Not only has the council appointed key board members to ensure diversity within its own ranks, but it has also established a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee. This committee, made up of representatives from both the industry and the BFC, is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by minority communities in achieving fair representation in the fashion world.
The BFC’s overarching goal is to create a fashion industry that embraces everyone and reflects the diverse global communities it seeks to inspire and serve. But what does this commitment entail for designers from underrepresented groups? The committee is actively working on developing a framework for diversity and inclusion that can be applied by fashion businesses of all sizes. It is also reviewing all of the BFC’s support programs to ensure they are equitable and accessible to all, and examining Talent ID programs to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered during selection processes.
Furthermore, the committee is focused on promoting allyship by providing toolkits to businesses and individuals, with the aim of breaking down barriers to entry and career progression for designers from ethnic minority backgrounds. A key part of the committee’s strategy involves creating resources that recognize and celebrate the impact of black culture on the fashion industry.
This announcement follows the recent appointment of Jamie Gill, CEO of Roksanda; June Sarpong, director of Creative Diversity at the BBC; and Scott Morrison, founder of The Boom!, to the BFC executive board. With their combined expertise and forward-thinking vision, it is anticipated that the BFC’s initiatives to foster a more diverse and inclusive fashion industry will be greatly enhanced.
For further information on the BFC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit their official website here. Additionally, to learn more about the importance of diversity in the fashion industry, check out this insightful article from Vogue here.
