London imposes strict ecological rules on its Fashion Week
From January 2026, new brands wishing to appear on the London FW calendar will have to meet stringent ecological criteria, inspired by Copenhagen Fashion Week.
New standards for sustainable fashion
The British Fashion Council (BFC), which organizes the famous London Fashion Week, has announced a series of green measures that will come into effect in January 2026. New brands will now have to prove their commitment to sustainability in order to join the official calendar. Among the requirements: at least 60% of collections will have to use certified or eco-friendly materials, a ban on fur, feathers and exotic skins, and the implementation of a recycling and repair system. Behind the scenes, single-use plastics will have to disappear, underlining a global transformation of the industry.
These rules are part of a broader vision of sustainable fashion, adopted in 2019 by Copenhagen Fashion Week, renowned for its pioneering ecological approach. By introducing these standards, London becomes the first of the Big Four (New York, London, Milan, Paris) to integrate such strict criteria.
Supporting emerging talent
Initially, these measures will apply to designers supported by the NewGen initiative, such as Sinead O’Dwyer and Chet Lo. This program, designed to promote young talent, plays a crucial role in the industry’s move towards responsible fashion. Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, emphasizes the importance of this framework in encouraging innovation and sustainability among emerging brands.
Towards ethical and inclusive fashion even for Fashion Week
Beyond ecology, these criteria include social objectives, such as diversity in recruitment, particularly for management positions. This marks a new era for London Fashion Week, positioned as a driving force for change in the international fashion industry.
Also read: Fashion Week: what can we expect from the catwalks?
