BFC announces Changemakers Prize in link with Swarovski

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 13, 2021

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the launch of a new prize that 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”.

Called the BFC Changemakers Prize, it’s being launched in partnership with Swarovski, and is open to any one of the 890,000 people working in the fashion industry — initially in the UK. It also wants to champion inclusivity and innovative thinking. 

The BFC said 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 Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF): Environment, People or Craftsmanship and Community”.

The entries will go before a judging panel that will come up with nine finalists and three eventual winners. The judges are led by BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush and Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert. They also include Edward Enninful, Editor-In-Chief of  British Vogue; Farrah Storr, Editor-In-Chief of Elle UK; Ib Kamara, Editor-In-Chief of Dazed; and Jo Ellison, Editor of How to Spend It and Deputy Editor, FT Weekend. Also on the panel are  models and activists Lily Cole and Munroe Bergdorf, plus TV personality Tan France.

The winners will receive a mentorship package that offers support to continue their good work within the industry and a cash prize.