British Fashion Council appoints Barbara Grispini as Curator, LONDON show ROOMS and Brand Development consultant.
Barbara has worked as a consultant to the British Fashion Council (BFC) for eleven years, developing the international buyer relations programme for London Fashion Week.
Since 2008 Barbara’s remit has grown to provide business support for emerging talent and develop the pioneering LONDON show ROOMS, showcase alongside BFC Strategic Consultant, Anna Orsini, who will continue to be an integral support of these initiatives.
This new role will see Barbara take the lead Curator role to drive the impact of LONDON show ROOMS in overseas markets and enlarge its already impressive media and buyer outreach. In practice this will see Barbara develop the creative for each event, including the designer selection, whilst being less involved in day to day delivery as she takes time to develop her creative consultancy direct with a number of designer businesses
Barbara will continue to support the BFC on developing its outreach to international buyers for events including London Fashion Week and London Collections as well as ad hoc consultancy through the BFC designer support programme.
“Barbara’s contribution to LONDON show ROOMS has seen it become a significant promotional platform for British designer businesses in international markets and we look forward to her continued support as curator as it continues to grow. This season marks its landmark 5th year anniversary in Paris this September” - Caroline Rush, CEO, British Fashion Council
The BFC launched LONDON show ROOMS in 2008 taking emerging talent to Paris during Paris Fashion Week to sell in a show room environment. The initiative was an instant success and has grown season on season, supported by Sarah Mower, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and designers, who took the lead on galvanising high profile media support for London’s hottest rising stars.
Tim Blanks has also been a significant supporter to the menswear LONDON show ROOMS in Paris. In addition to Paris, LONDON show ROOMS now moves to different markets with carefully curated groups of designers ranging from emerging talent, to London’s New Establishment and guest designer brands. Designers are selected based on optimum opportunity to engage local media, retailers, stylists and the broader fashion communities in Paris, LA, New York and Hong Kong respectively.
