The British Fashion Council (BFC) is preparing to mark a significant milestone as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of its NewGen talent identification program with a year-long series of events. The highlight of this celebration will be a groundbreaking exhibition titled ‘Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion’ at the prestigious Design Museum in London. Sponsored by Alexander McQueen, the exhibition will showcase the work of 300 designers and feature over 100 objects, including garments, films, drawings, and memorabilia.
The exhibition, set to open on September 15th and run until February 11th, 2024, will be curated by Sarah Mower, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Design, and Rebecca Lewin, Senior Curator at the Design Museum. It aims to deconstruct the creative process and provide inspiration for the next generation of fashion designers. With its extensive range of exhibits, it is expected to be one of the most comprehensive contemporary fashion exhibitions ever held in the UK. Tickets for the exhibition will go on sale in June, allowing fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals to secure their spot.
In addition to celebrating the NewGen community and its significant influence on the global fashion industry, the exhibition also aims to raise funds for the BFC Foundation. As part of its mission, the foundation focuses on providing education, grants, and business mentoring to support the continued growth and success of the British fashion industry.
Caroline Rush, BFC Chief Executive, expressed sincere gratitude for the NewGen initiative and the immense impact it has had over the past three decades. She emphasized the role of London as a nurturing hub for emerging talent and the birthplace of visionary creatives. Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, voiced the brand’s dedication to supporting creativity and nurturing new talent. The fact that McQueen was the inaugural recipient of the NewGen award adds further significance to this celebration for the brand.
Since its establishment in 1993, the NewGen program has provided vital support to numerous designers at the early stages of their careers, including esteemed names such as Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Erdem, J.W. Anderson, and Simone Rocha, among many others. The ‘Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion’ exhibition will serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these designers and the profound impact they have made in shaping the fashion industry.
Overall, ‘Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion’ promises to be a truly exceptional and inspiring celebration of the NewGen initiative and its remarkable contribution to the British and global fashion industry. Through its comprehensive display of designs, films, and artifacts, the exhibition will not only pay homage to the past but also ignite the creative spirits and ambitions of the next generation of fashion designers.
Useful Links:
– [The British Fashion Council’s NewGen Initiative](https://britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/Initiatives/NewGen)
– [Design Museum London](https://designmuseum.org/)
