The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled an exciting lineup for its inaugural Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) Forum. Renowned figures in the fashion world, Virgil Abloh and June Sarpong, will be the headline speakers for the event. Abloh, founder and creative director of Off-White and artistic director of Louis Vuitton Men’s, will join Sarpong, director of Creative Diversity at the BBC, in a conversation focused on diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
The IPF Forum, organized by the BFC, aims to inspire and mobilize the fashion industry to take meaningful action on sustainability. The event is strategically scheduled before the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, set to take place in Glasgow this November.
During the forum, Abloh and Sarpong will delve into the significance of diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. They will discuss strategies to foster greater access and representation in order to inspire the coming generation of fashion talent.
In addition to this enlightening session, the IPF Forum will feature an engaging panel discussion called “The just transition: Exploring the business case for change.” Esteemed industry experts including Cyrill Gutsch, founder of Parley for the Oceans, Laura Balmond, Make Fashion Circular lead for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and Nicolaj Reffstrup, founder of Ganni, will participate in this discussion. The panel will explore the concept of circularity in fashion and explore how brands can adopt circular practices on a large scale. It will also highlight the best opportunities for integrating new circular models into fashion businesses.
The IPF Forum will bring together prominent figures from various sectors, including business leaders such as Emmanuel Gintzburger, CEO of Alexander McQueen, and Marco Gobbetti, CEO of Burberry. Additionally, government representatives, environmental experts, diversity advocates, creative directors, activists, editors, and educators will participate. Together, they will address critical issues facing the fashion industry, equipping attendees with tools and insights to achieve net-zero emissions and implement sustainable changes.
The IPF Forum will cover a range of relevant topics, including the “Race to Net Zero,” “Green Economy,” “Biodiversity,” “Circularity,” “Social Justice,” “Diversity and Inclusion,” and “Community.” These discussions and presentations will take place digitally throughout the day, with exclusive access for ticket holders.
Tickets for the IPF Forum are priced at £150 and offer on-demand access to all content for a full year after the event. This unique feature allows attendees to revisit discussions, gain deeper insights, and continue their learning journey beyond the forum.
The BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion Forum is highly anticipated to be a groundbreaking event, uniting industry leaders and experts to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for fashion. With the presence of influential figures like Virgil Abloh and June Sarpong, attendees can expect thought-provoking conversations and actionable insights that will drive positive change in the industry.
Useful links:
1. The British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion
2. United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26)
