eBay to sponsor Fashion Forward

Online marketplace eBay has signed a multi-season sponsorship deal with the British Fashion Council to help supporting emerging British design talent through the Fashion Forward initiative, starting at London Fashion Week spring/summer 2013

this September.

The Fashion Forward programme which is now in its sixth year is one of the BFC’s talent support initiatives and is designed to support UK-based designers who have already established a profile at London Fashion Week through the NewGen programme, or who are at an equivalent stage in their business.

This year’s Fashion Forward designers, which were announced in January, include six-time NewGen sponsorship winner Mary Katzantrou, Louise Gray, Henry Holland and menswear designers E. Tautz, Christopher Shannon, James Long and J.W. Anderson.

As part of the partnership agreement Melanie Smallwood from eBay will sit on the panel that decides the next round of designers to be supported within the programme, which will be announced in January 2013.

The launch of spring/summer 2013 collections will mark the start of a partnership with eBay Fashion, and will incorporating a series of high profile activities including eBay supporting Save the Children's #bidboutique, part of Born to Shop, the charity's first ever online fashion auction in conjunction with The British Fashion Council.

Commenting on the sponsorship partnership, Caroline Rush, chief executive of the BFC said: “Fashion Forward is in its sixth year it has grown to encompass both womenswear and menswear designers and now supports seven designers each year; making this the perfect time to announce eBay as its new sponsor. eBay’s sales statistics are overwhelming and we hope they will help to bring opportunities to the designers they support.”

Melanie Smallwood, head of eBay fashion brands added: “eBay is more than just an auction house; it’s a shopping destination like no other. You’ll find high street brands selling direct alongside smaller boutiques and international businesses as well as consumer sellers. eBay Fashion unites style seekers and enables you to shop anytime and anywhere.

“Partnering with the British Fashion Council provides an opportunity to show our support to emerging British fashion talent, helping them to develop the long-term success of their businesses.”

Image: Mary Katzantrou autumn/winter 2012