Today, the British Fashion Council (BFC) announces the launch of The BFC Changemakers Prize in Partnership with Swarovski, a new project which aims to discover and celebrate individuals within the fashion industry; the unsung stars who go above and beyond, making outstanding contributions and striving for positive change.
The 2021 BFC Changemakers Prize in Partnership with Swarovski is open to anyone working in the fashion industry—initially in the UK—and focuses on celebrating individuals, and championing inclusivity and innovative thinking. Entrants will be nominated by colleagues, peers, businesses and employers in recognition of outstanding work that aligns with one of the three pillars of the BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF): Environment, People or Craftsmanship and Community. Nominations open today and more information on criteria and entry forms can be found here.
Launched in 2020, the IPF helps the British fashion industry to be more resilient and circular through global collaboration and local action. As a brand and partner for the BFC Changemakers Prize, Swarovski is committed to championing individuals in the creative industries who create impact and recognises the importance of celebrating the fashion industry’s hidden heroes; those with the unique ability to ignite dreams, create positive change and inspire others on their journey.
A panel of judges made up of a number of inspiring, high-profile individuals from the fashion and creative industries will select nine finalists and then three winners; one representing each of the IPF pillars. The Judging Committee is led by BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush and Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and includes Edward Enninful, Editor-In-Chief, British Vogue & European Editorial Director, Vogue; Farrah Storr, Editor-In-Chief, ELLE UK; Ib Kamara, Editor-In-Chief, Dazed, Jo Ellison, Editor, How to Spend It & Deputy Editor, FT Weekend; Lily Cole, Model & Activist; Munroe Bergdorf, Model & Activist, and Tan France, Fashion Television Personality.
The three winners will be positioned as future industry trailblazers, will receive a mentorship package that offers support to continue their good work within the industry and a cash prize.
Caroline Rush, Chief Executive BFC said: “The BFC Changemakers Prize in Partnership with Swarovski is the largest new BFC prize launched in the last five years. We are thrilled to work alongside our long-term partner Swarovski on this project to build up the Institute of Positive Fashion’s pillars and spotlight the work of fashion’s unsung heroes. We often talk about the 890,000 people our industry employs and I am thrilled to discover some of their stories and hear their achievements. From the shop floor and the studios, to the manufacturers and head offices, we are searching across the country for anyone, regardless of their job title, to find out who has contributed through their work in creating an industry which we are all so proud to be a part of.”
Giovanna Engelbert, Creative Director Swarovski said: “On behalf of Swarovski, I am honored to join forces with our long-term partner, the British Fashion Council, to celebrate those in this industry who live and breathe the Institute of Positive Fashion’s pillars and commitment to sparking change. Through the BFC Changemakers Prize, we have the great pleasure of discovering individuals across every facet of the fashion community with a hunger to create a more inclusive, sustainable and impactful world for us all.”
The BFC Changemakers Programme is open to all 890,000 people working in the fashion industry, which stands for 2.6% of UK employment. From textiles and manufacturing to merchandising and retail, these are the people who are fundamental to igniting positive change in the fashion industry and who can inspire a nationwide call to action.
Nominations will close on Tuesday 11th May with the nine finalists announced in May and the three ultimate winners in July.