What Does The BFC’s New Membership Programme Mean For The British Fashion Industry?

The British Fashion Council has launched a membership programme inviting British designers at varying stages of their career trajectories to sign up to an annual paid-for service, which will give them the lowdown on various facets of the industry. Until now, the organisation has been funded via events, such as the Fashion Awards, donations and government grants.

BFC chair Stephanie Phair hinted at the membership scheme in the business’s first annual report published in July. She said that a subscription process – which will include access to news, data, government updates and a calendar of educational workshops and seminars to attend – would “open up our services to a much wider community, and not just the brands that are part of the schedule at London Fashion Week”.

Upon today’s announcement, BFC CEO Caroline Rush added: “The BFC is moving to a membership organisation as part of our mission to encourage collaboration and inclusivity, inviting designers to come together in support of the fashion industry’s eco-system.”

Membership is open to designers and direct-to-consumer businesses that have been trading for a minimum of two years, are a registered business with Companies House, produce collections that consist of ready-to-wear and/or accessories with a product vision set out by a creative director, and contribute both creatively and economically to the British fashion industry.

Membership levels are determined by annual turnover. Businesses generating £1 million must pay a £500 membership fee, which will increase incrementally, and brands producing a turnover in excess of £100 million, such as Burberry, will be asked to commit to patronage. Eighty members have signed up so far, according to WWD, and the BFC is now making moves to lock more London Fashion Week Men’s designers into the scheme.

The business move was born out of the BFC’s efforts to consolidate its future in an uncertain political and financial climate. By coming together and bolstering its community – members will also be asked to share their knowledge and expertise through roundtables and mentorship programmes – Rush believes that “we can be more powerful.” The first public-facing impact of the strategy will be the sway the members have on the winners of the Fashion Awards, when they will have a say in the voting.