British Fashion Council Details New, Paid-for Membership Program

LONDON — The British Fashion Council is looking to its counterparts’ play books in cities such as New York, Paris and Milan, and pushing ahead with a paid-for membership program in a bid to raise further funds for designers, business programs, education and scholarships. As the BFC seeks fresh revenue streams in a challenging business, and political, environment, it is now asking designers, brands, ready-to-wear and accessories businesses to pay an annual membership subscription. It is also looking to broaden its reach beyond the designers and brands that show during London Fashion Week. An announcement detailing the new program is expected today. Until now the BFC, a not-for-profit organization, has relied on fundraising through events such as The Fashion Awards, government grants, donations and patronage to keep its engines running. In July, as part of its first published annual report, the company alluded to the new membership scheme, which soft-launched in September. Over the summer, BFC chair Stephanie Phair said the program would allow the organization to “open up our services to a much wider community, and not just the brands that are part of the schedule at London Fashion Week.” The BFC had long been pondering the changing business environment, and had also been looking for

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