Following the announcement of Fashion Britain, the British Fashion Council (BFC) unveils a nationwide programme of events that will bring the initiative to life across Newcastle and six other cities this September.
Developed as part of the BFC’s Strategy 2030: Access, Creativity and Growth, Fashion Britain will celebrate the breadth of British creativity through a series of public designer conversations, cultural activations, retail experiences, exhibitions and live performances, celebrating the wealth of talent that has emerged across the UK.
Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council: “I am incredibly excited for the launch of Fashion Britain this September. British fashion has always been shaped by people – their local identities, global perspectives, creative disciplines and the communities that shape culture from the ground up. It’s vital that we recognise, celebrate and invest in talent wherever it exists across the UK. Fashion Britain is about decentralising fashion, by creating stronger pathways for creativity, opportunity and growth in every part of the country. That is why we are collaborating with leading cultural institutions alongside over 100 of our designer members to build a stronger, more connected future for British fashion.”
To celebrate the North East’s rich creative heritage, Newcastle native and slow fashion designer Genevieve Devine and Director of Menswear at Barbour, Ian Bergin, will take part in the BFC x ELLE UK National Designer Panel series at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on Saturday 26th September. Moderated by ELLE UK Deputy Multiplatform Editor Chiara Wilkinson, the talk will explore the impact the North East has had on shaping their creative journeys and design. The panel will be followed by a networking session to introduce pathways into the industry, with brands including Kurt Geiger, whose Kindness Foundation will launch Business by Design Online – a new free digital learning course designed to make fashion knowledge accessible to everyone – on 1st September.
Ian Bergin, Director of Menswear, Footwear & Accessories, Barbour: “From our beginnings in South Shields Marketplace to our continued commitment to craftsmanship and community, the region has shaped who we are as a brand, so it is incredibly meaningful to see the North East recognised as part of Fashion Britain’s nationwide celebration of British creativity. Fashion Britain is a brilliant opportunity to spotlight the creative energy and talent that exists outside London, and we’re proud to be part of a programme that champions the North East’s contribution to British fashion and culture.”
Genevieve Devine: “I’m really excited to be part of Fashion Britain as it’s long been my ambition to spotlight and be a part of reinvigorating fashion and craft in the North East. This initiative by the BFC is such a promising opportunity to create connections to, and broaden the conversation outside of London. I grew up in Newcastle and began my journey as a fashion designer at Northumbria, so I have a very deep affection and creative connection to the area. There is a real wealth of talent and diversity of thought that isn’t always given a voice when it comes to the discussion around British fashion, so it’s fantastic to see the North East’s incredible creativity be championed and supported.”
Graham Easterlow, Director of Development & Enterprise, Baltic NewcastleGateshead: “We’re proud to host the British Fashion Council at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art this September, supporting its commitment to bringing creative opportunities out of London and into the regions. As one of the North East’s most iconic cultural venues, Baltic is an ideal setting to connect contemporary art and fashion, two disciplines that are deeply intertwined through creativity, innovation and self-expression. Partnerships like this are vital to inspiring today’s creatives and nurturing the next generation of artists and designers across the UK.”
The programme also champions emerging talent through initiatives such as Future Heritage. Created by Eldon Square in partnership with Newcastle College and Fenwick, Future Heritage challenged 80 students to produce original fashion pieces and surface textiles inspired by Newcastle’s rich heritage and Eldon Square’s landmark 50th anniversary. The winning designs will be showcased at Grainger Market, supported by Newcastle City Council and will be on display at a later date at Fenwick Newcastle. The showcase will include an exclusive runway show by Jerry J.
Pam Smith, Chief Executive at Newcastle City Council: “Newcastle is proud to be part of Fashion Britain and to play a role in showcasing the extraordinary creativity, talent and ambition that exists across the UK. Our city has a long history of innovation, culture and independent thinking, and this programme provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the next generation of creative talent while strengthening connections between fashion, education, business and culture. We are delighted to welcome nationally recognised designers, industry leaders and visitors to Newcastle, and to work alongside partners including Newcastle College, Eldon Square, Fenwick and BALTIC to demonstrate the vital contribution that the creative industries make to our economy, communities and international reputation. We can’t wait to turn our city into a catwalk during a fashion-focussed week.”
Jon Ridley, Principal, Newcastle College: “Newcastle has a distinctive creative identity and a wealth of talent, so it is right that our city and our region have a place in Fashion Britain. The Future Heritage project is an example of what that opportunity can look like. Working alongside Eldon Square, Fenwick and the British Fashion Council, around 80 Newcastle College students are drawing inspiration from our city’s heritage to create fashion, textiles and design work that will be showcased as part of Fashion Britain this September. For our students, this is experiential learning at its best. They are developing their talent, responding to an industry brief and working alongside industry partners, while contributing their own ideas and creativity to Newcastle’s place in British fashion. I’m looking forward to seeing what they create and celebrating the talent our region has to offer.”
Helen Cowie, Centre Director, Eldon Square: “Fashion Britain is a brilliant opportunity to put Newcastle’s creativity and distinctive fashion identity in the spotlight. Partnering with the British Fashion Council to bring the celebration to the city’s iconic Grainger Market, gives us a real chance to showcase the talent that makes Newcastle such an exciting fashion destination.”
By bringing together designers, retailers, cultural institutions, educators and creative partners, Fashion Britain showcases the richness of Britain’s fashion ecosystem while building a more connected, accessible and geographically representative industry for the future. In the long term, Fashion Britain will strengthen local creative economies, inspire and develop the next generation of fashion talent, and create lasting pathways for designers and creatives to build sustainable careers within their own cities, ensuring the economic and cultural impact of British fashion is felt across the UK.
