Export success: British fashion soars abroad

British fashion is in demand. A record number of shoppers flocked to the fashion Mecca that is London last year to see and buy world class retail at its best.

But British fashion is soaring abroad too. Export of fashion goods in 2016 rose 8 percent from 2015 to 10.7 billion pounds.

And nowhere is British fashion more in demand than in the USA, followed by Hong Kong and Australia, who account for nearly 10 percent of British exports.

The countries account for the top three buyers of home grown brands including Burberry, Mulberry and Temperley London, outside of the EU. To build on this export success, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has collaborated with the British Fashion Council (BFC) to give British designers access to high profile buyers from developed markets. Through the BFC’s ‘International Guest Programme’, up and coming designers will be linked to key markets including the USA, China and South Korea.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: From street style to haute couture, it’s no surprise that our prestigious fashion industry is in vogue with more than 10 billion pounds worth of goods heading overseas last year. Our best brands display their talent at London Fashion Week and as an international economic department, we are committed to supporting them make the most of their exporting potential. That’s why we’re connecting home grown designers to international fashion buyers through bespoke fashion programmes and events.

Supporting the best of British style

Working with DIT, the BFC are also promoted leading British fashion designers on the world stage, taking 15-20 designers on a trade mission to Paris Fashion Week last month. In 2018 the effort will continue, allowing emerging new UK fashion designers to be able to showcase to international press and buyers at a dedicated pop-up showroom as part of Paris Fashion Week.

DIT partner with BFC on eight of their fashion events. Priority markets for the ‘International Guest Programme’ include: USA, China, South Korea, Italy and Germany. The programme involves targeting international buyers and understanding their budgets and styles and matching them with appropriate British designers.

The International Guest Programme is hosted by the British Fashion Council’s International team and provides a tailored and targeted schedule for that ensures that they meet the most relevant brands with the highest international potential.

Credits: Photo British Fashion Council Facebook, article source: BFC, UK Gov, International Department of Trade