London Fashion Week Goes Green

Dashing from show to show via flight, taxi, or train ride in one fabulous outfit or another, on the surface, fashion week appears to be all glitz and glamour. In reality, it takes a massive toll on the environment, prompting a flux in carbon emissions and overconsumption. But that’s a drop in the ocean compared to the industry’s overall ecological impact: the second-largest consumer of water, the industry responsible for two to eight percent of all global carbon emissions. Now, the British Fashion Council is doing its part to make a change, announcing that it will adopt Copenhagen Fashion Week’s sustainability requirements across BFC NEWGEN. 

'This partnership is a significant step in ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to the future of fashion,' said Caroline Rush, chief executive of the BFC. 'Together, we are creating a framework that empowers emerging designer fashion businesses to lead the way and contribute tangibly to a more sustainable and responsible industry.'

If they’re not already, BFC NEWGEN hopefuls will have to start getting serious about sustainability this year, with applicants required to answer 18 sustainability statements to prove their eligibility. Aiming to fully integrate CPHFW’s standards by January 2026, existing NEWGEN recipients will have to ensure their business model meets the updated programme. Requirements include ensuring that at least 60% of a collection is made from preferred or dead stock materials and that products are made with repairability, recyclability, upgradability and reusability in mind.

'This partnership not only fosters much-needed industry alignment but also underscores the unique potential of fashion weeks and councils to drive positive change within the industry. With the British Fashion Council, as an influential player in the global fashion landscape, we see a lot of potential to further amplify the impact of our collective commitment to sustainability,' added Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week.

While it might be grey in London, the BFC is thinking green and encouraging the next generation of designers to do the same. London Fashion Week is already packed with talented innovators, from Paolo Carzana's gossamer garments—deadstock silk and cotton, hand-dyed and knotted around the body in a tender embrace—to Di Petsa's déshabillé dresses, made-to-order from recycled polyester. With such momentum, the new initiative shouldn't be too difficult to implement. Savile Row and smørrebrød, anyone?