BFC unveils new format for Fashion Awards, focus on pandemic responses

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Oct 15, 2020

The British Fashion Council is introducing a new format for The Fashion Awards this year with the December 3 event to be digital “in light of the restrictions imposed on large scale events and travel”.

The BFC said it will recognise “designers, brands, creatives and individuals who have created positive change within the fashion industry this year”.

And the awards have evolved this year to put a bigger emphasis on doing good.

That means highlighting “those who bravely faced this challenging period with pro-active responses to the global pandemic, showed leadership and creative resilience”, as well as those “who stood up against prejudice within the fashion industry” and fought for change. 

It’s particularly aiming “to shine a spotlight on those who made humanitarian efforts, adapted their business models and responded to their community’s needs”.

Twenty individuals and brands will be recognised and receive a ‘2020 Fashion Award’ in honour of their specific contribution. They’ll be announced as part of a short film “that will document the fashion industry in this extraordinary year, while bringing together a list of next-generation opinion leaders and creatives to share their personal vision on the most important moments of 2020”.

BFC chair Stephanie Phair said that in “a year like no other, businesses and designers have had to adapt to a new reality. It is more important than ever to recognise those in the fashion industry who played an important role in this extraordinary year, proving the compassion and resilience of our industry”.

And CEO Caroline Rush added that it’s been clear in 2020 that “the fashion industry is in need of a reset” and so it was “was important to recognise the people and businesses who played a role in some of the most important and challenging issues of our generation and champion those who raised the bar in areas such as diversity, sustainability, and community”.