British Fashion Council Launches Institute of Positive Fashion

As London Fashion Week is about to kick-off, the British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced  its intention to launch the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF). The BFC recognises that the fashion industry engages consumers daily, and whilst it is often seen as forward thinking, it also appreciates that through global supply chains the industry can have a negative impact on the planet. There is an urgent need for industry-wide coalition to help set industry standards in a new way, embrace innovation and develop the need for leaders to create green businesses fit for the future and enable positive change.

Through the IPF, the BFC aims to create an industry blueprint by bringing together expertise from different areas to help brands in the industry navigate an often confusing to understand topic and kick-start a much-need comprehensive step-change. Informed by research, expert opinion, industry insights and the significant industry experience of individual businesses and organisations, the power of collective effort will amplify independent activity.

The need for sustainable fashion

Sustainability has been a part of the BFC’s strategy since 2006. The Esthetica showcase put sustainable fashion at the heart of London Fashion Week before evolving into Positive Fashion in 2013, a platform designed to celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create positive change. Many international organisations are also taking action, from our counterparts in other territories to the G7 Fashion Pact which includes several British businesses including Burberry and Stella McCartney and local organisations such as Fashion Revolution and Common Objective, to name only a few. The BFC is uniquely placed to help lead the change and accelerate an industry-led transition towards a sustainable future. It will bring together a broad range of businesses and stakeholders as well as leverage global platforms such as London Fashion Week and The Fashion Awards to reach international audiences, empowering and educating them to be part of the Positive Fashion movement.

The IPF will galvanise opinion and industry best practice across the fashion industry. It will accelerate progress made in all areas of sustainability that will be impactful and lasting, by creating educational programmes and campaigns aimed at both industry and the public. The aim being to catalyse and expedite change. The IPF ambition has been pushed forward by the Positive Fashion Committee since early 2019. The next quarter will see further development of the programme, that will build on the existing resources of the Positive Fashion Committee.

The BFC takes its role in shaping a truly sustainable industry for future generations seriously. As we build momentum we encourage and welcome participation and invite all parties to register their interest with  the British Fashion Council by dropping them an email at: positivefashion@britishfashioncouncil.com

To coincide with London Fashion Week, DHL, in association with the BFC, have commissioned a White Paper highlighting the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. The paper provides businesses with easy to follow recommendations ensuring positive fashion remains at the heart of the industry. The White Paper will be launched on the British Fashion Council’s website on Friday 13th September.  I look forward to reading this paper!