The British Fashion Council (BFC) has partnered with Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, announced on September 13 at London Fashion Week.
The partnership provides U.K. designers with funding, e-commerce access via JD.com, and logistical support to expand in China. Chinese designers gain exposure at London Fashion Week.
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This collaboration offers a critical boost for British fashion, which faces challenges post-Brexit and post-pandemic. JD.com will invest $140 million (£100 million) to expand JD Fashion, support partner brands, and drive collaboration between British and Chinese designers.
Brexit and the pandemic have reduced demand for British products in Europe, hurt local tourism, and eroded designers’ working capital. BFC has sought private investment to fill the funding gap, including its own £4.3 million grants since 2019. BFC will release a “Commercializing Creativity” report on October 30 to guide designers on building more financially resilient businesses.
Impact on business owners: Private funding and global partnerships provide critical support but navigating financial sustainability remains a challenge.
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