New BFC IPF project inspired by Casely-Hayford, focus is black fashion, culture

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Oct 28, 2020

The British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) has unveiled its second project, called The Missing Thread, in partnership with the Black Oriented Legacy Development Agency (BOLD). 

The long-term project will celebrate British Black Fashion & Culture from 1975 to the present through programmed events and a major exhibition planned for the summer of 2022.

The BFC said “the fashion industry currently lacks a resource of vital black British contributions from a cultural, design and socio-political perspective. The cost of neglecting these stories is detrimental to the industry as a whole. Design knowledge and history must be taught with an appreciation and awareness of the cultural contributions of all races to the fabric of British society”.

The project was inspired by the late Joe Casely-Hayford, “who paved the way for black designers working in the UK today and altered the course of this trajectory. This project honours the powerful legacy that he left behind him”.

The body aims to “reference, educate and present many untold black cultural narratives and design contributions that are pivotal foundations within society” and “will address shortcomings in academic provisions and practice by charting the rise and impact of ‘UK Black Style Culture’.”

As a long-term aim, it also wants to create the first ‘Black Fashion & Culture’ undergraduate education programme in the UK.

As part of the project’s launch, on Wednesday, at 4pm, a special SHOWstudio panel dedicated to Casely-Hayford and his vision looked at Britishness now and what contribution the fashion industry must make towards a new era. The panel was chaired by Andrew Ibi with Caroline Rush, Ekow Eshun, Karen Binns and Walé Adeyemi.

The IPF said it will work closely with BOLD on this project and also that it’s seeking funding through various means with opportunities to be a Founding Partner of an 18-month programme including lectures, book, key events, sub-installations, discussions, and shows/presentations culminating in the exhibition.