Stephanie Phair, the newly appointed Chair of the British Fashion Council, has had a whirlwind weekend full of fashion shows and events during London Fashion Week. From hosting a lavish Mulberry flagship boutique launch dinner to dancing the night away at Vogue’s party celebrating Victoria Beckham’s 10th anniversary, Phair has been at the center of all the action. Her busy schedule also includes welcoming guests at the National Gallery and co-hosting an event in Downing Street with Prime Minister Theresa May. Despite her packed agenda, Phair’s positive personality shines through, underscoring her wealth of experience in the industry.
Having graduated from the prestigious University of Oxford, Phair kickstarted her career as an editor at Vogue before delving into fashion technology and eventually serving as the CEO of The Outnet. Her love for designers like Preen, Osman, and Edeline Lee is evident in her impeccable sense of style. Born in Mexico, Phair is multilingual, fluent in Spanish and French, and finds solace in vacationing in sunny locales like Comporta, Portugal.
Stepping into the shoes of her predecessor, Natalie Massenet, Phair is determined to build upon the BFC’s past successes. She stresses the importance of securing private funding alongside public support and is passionate about nurturing emerging fashion talent through educational programs. Phair sees technology and digital innovation as key drivers of growth in the industry, and she plans to collaborate with tech giants like Google to leverage these tools effectively.
With Brexit looming large, Phair is acutely aware of the challenges it poses to the fashion industry. She advocates for maintaining seamless borders and tariff-free access to the EU to safeguard British fashion businesses. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, Phair remains resolute in her commitment to working closely with the government to navigate the complexities of the situation.
In summary, Stephanie Phair’s appointment heralds a new era for the British Fashion Council. With a keen focus on education, business development, and enhancing the industry’s global reputation, she is poised to shape the future of fashion both in the UK and on a broader scale.
Learn more about Stephanie Phair and her vision for the BFC:
1. Stephanie Phair – British Fashion Council
2. Stephanie Phair Interview – Vogue UK
