British Fashion Council (BFC) announced today the release of the final episode of its first ever podcast series, Fashion Forum. The series features ten episodes, all available to listen to on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Each episode welcomes a new host and a broad range of voices, sharing personal experiences as well as discussing the biggest issues in fashion today relating to areas such as positive change, diversity, sustainability, education, culture and technology.
The podcast is part of the BFC’s ongoing efforts to highlight the relationship between the creative industries by celebrating not only fashion designers, but also the broader creative community, all of whom play a vital role in the fashion industry’s culture and reputation, promoting British creativity on a global scale.
Introducing the full list of episodes below.
What’s next for music and style?
Tiffany Calver, DJ and radio host, talks to stylist Leah Abbott and musician Jimothy Lacoste about what influenced their fashion choices growing up, how 2020 has changed the relationship between music and style, and the new music emerging from across the UK that they’re most excited about.
Breaking boundaries in the fashion industry
At a time of momentous change, photographer and filmmaker Campbell Addy sits down for a conversation with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Fashion Director of Garage Magazine, addressing the importance of mentors, keeping your ego in check, and the power of the collaborative spirit.
The evolution of fashion and street culture
Alastair McKimm, Editor in Chief and Creative Director of i-D magazine, talks to Evan Mock, the Hawaiian skater and surfer, and Jordan Vickors, the British DJ and casting agent, about how their shared love of surfing, music and skate culture led to an interest in fashion, as well as how British street style culture in general influences fashion on a global scale.
Waking up to racism in the fashion industry
Elgar Johnson, Fashion Director at GQ Style, leads a discussion with Priya Ahluwalia, designer of the label Ahluwalia, and Gary Armstrong, Senior Fashion Editor at GQ Style, relating from personal experience how racism manifests in the British fashion industry, and how to implement effective change.
What now for the fashion student?
Charles Jeffrey, Founder of the fashion label Loverboy, is joined on the podcast by fellow designer Matty Bovan and their former tutor, MA course leader at Central Saint Martins, Fabio Piras, to examine how fashion education has changed since lockdown and to identify some surprising new creative opportunities.
Finding a voice through Fashion Design
Caroline Issa, Co-Owner and Fashion Director of Tank Magazine, discusses with British menswear designer Paria Farzaneh, how her Iranian heritage imbues her designs. As well as recalling her own uncompromising path to becoming a designer, Pariatalks about how others can follow their own dreams by staying true to their vision.
Fashion, tech and positive change
June Sarpong, the BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity, talks to Lucy Yeomans about her pioneering fashion gaming app Drest. Having worked at the intersection of fashion and tech since her tenure at the helm of Porter Magazine, Lucy talks about how tech and fashion can work together to promote positive change in the industry, and how her own journey as a fashion creative has taught her that fashion is not just about being well-dressed, but about having a voice.
Diversity and change in the fashion industry
Kenya Hunt, Fashion Director of Grazia UK, talks to Bethann Hardison, the pioneering fashion advocate, former model and agent best known for her work creating change within the fashion industry as it relates to diversity. As well as recalling stories from Bethann’s own experience as a black model, they discuss how fashion brands are responding to the current political climate, and the positive steps many of them are taking towards change.
Fashion, football and creative expression
Catherine Hayward, Fashion Director of Esquire UK, meets Arsenal footballer Hector Bellerin to talk about veganism, photography and meditation, and how he developed a love of fashion. They discuss how he has overcome prejudice and bullying in his career, and how he believes fashion and sport can unite to support diversity and push boundaries even further.
British fashion, music and brand building
Recorded on 27th May 2020, Dylan Jones, BFC Menswear Chair and Editor-in-Chief of British GQ , talks to musician and British Fashion Council Ambassador Tinie Tempah about the relationship between fashion and music and the entrepreneurial spirit required to build a clothing brand.
To listen to the podcast, head to www.londonfashionweek.co.uk or search for ‘Fashion Forum’ in your preferred podcast app.
For season one of Fashion Forum, BFC has worked with British illustrator and 2019 BFC New Wave Creative, Angelica Hicks, on ten exclusive illustrations, portraying all featured hosts and guests, promoted on LFW and BFC IG channels.
Alongside existing Official Partners of London Fashion Week, British GQ, Evening Standard, JD.COM, INC, JOOR, LAVAZZA, Mercedes-Benz and TONI&GUY, BFC welcomes two new Official Partners this season, FASHION ZOO and IBM.
The generosity and commitment of our Partners, Suppliers and Supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support for LFW September 2020. Official Partners: British GQ, Evening Standard, FASHION ZOO, IBM, JD.COM, INC, JOOR, LAVAZZA, Mercedes-Benz and TONI&GUY. Official Suppliers: Fashion & Beauty Monitor, Getty Images, Launchmetrics, The May Fair Hotel and Official Supporters: The Department for International Trade, The European Regional Development Fund and The Mayor of London.