BFC calls on industry to take Ukraine action, but not to demonise all Russians

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Mar 4, 2022

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has called on the industry to offer humanitarian support for those suffering in Ukraine, but it has also urged people not to discriminate against Russians.

In a statement, the UK fashion body said: “The situation on the ground is devastating, and we encourage you to support however you can – there is a multitude of organisations and charities to reach out to.”

It added that the fashion industry in Ukraine “is particularly front of mind, as are Ukrainian members here and their extended families”. As an organisation that offers support to emerging talent from many backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, it’s offering the resources it has to Ukrainian designers, retailers, and media. “We will do our utmost to support them in these difficult times”, it said.

But while the BFC also encouraged “all those in our network to show their support, however they can, for the global campaign condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”, it stressed that the campaign is aimed at the Russian Government, “not the teams of our Designer Members and Patrons in Russia, or indeed Russian colleagues and friends here, who may be fearful of facing discrimination for actions over which they have no influence at all”.

The group also reiterated the the UK Government’s position on sanctions on Russia means “no product can now be shipped to Russia from the UK until the conflict is resolved”.