BFC names Intel a patron

Technology giant Intel has been named a patron of the British Fashion Council to coincide with the spring/summer 2016 London Fashion Week showcase.

The role of patron will see Intel working alongside, and connecting, British fashion designers and retailers with the latest smart products to be used in garments, designs, accessories and retail environments.

This collaboration between the BFC and Intel is a step to bring the fashion and technology world closer together, said a short press statement, which it hopes will create an “ecosystem of hardware and software developers”.

This isn’t Intel’s first foray into fashion, the technology brand has worked with a number of fashion names including Rebecca Minkoff, Fossil, Tag Heuer, Opening Ceremony, and Barneys New York.

Commenting on the partnership, Caroline Rush, chief executive of the BFC, said: “It is important for the British fashion community to drive forward sales and increase their profiles on the global stage.

“Innovating with wearable technology and smart garments is a fine way to achieve this.”

Intel’s vice president and general manager for business development and strategy of the New Devices Group, Aysegul Ildeniz added: “Intel’s commitment to making wearable technology meaningful for people’s lives marries well with the fashion industry’s pursuit of innovation.

“We expect our relationship with the British Fashion Council and greater British fashion industry to significantly scale the convergence of technology and fashion.”