FACTORY FILE: The British Fashion Council has unveiled a U.K. manufacturers database, created in association with the British School of Fashion at Glasgow Caledonian University in London, as designers increasingly seek to source their collections locally due to a variety of factors including the weak pound, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the impact of long-distance shipping on the environment.
“It is a timely moment because we’re triggering article 50 today,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive officer of the BFC, who joined Christopher Moore, director of the British School of Fashion, during a launch event at the university. “The second stage is to look at how we ensure that we have the opportunity to provide the excellence that our designers require — particularly the requirements of their retailers who are driving their businesses as well.”
The British High-End Manufacturers Database is part of the BFC’s Positive Fashion initiative, which aims to promote companies’ sustainable and ethical practices. It is a list of 40 U.K.–based manufacturers, supply chain and production companies. The free, online list will be a part of the BFC Designer Fact File, a business learning platform. London-based companies include Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, which specializes in high-end denim, outerwear and tailoring; Blue I
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