BFC Foundation names new co-chairs Marandi and Fares

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Apr 29, 2021

£2 million a year. That’s the target set by the British Fashion Council  (BFC) to maintain and grow its grant-giving programmes to foster new domestic talent.

To that end, philanthropists and investors Tania Fares and Narmina Marandi have been appointed co-chairs of the BFC Foundation, tasked to bring together an International Advisory Committee to support the work of the BFC Charity and the development of its Patronage Programme.

Fares and Marandi will join committee members Aizel Trudel, Dylan Jones, Edward Enninful, Elizabeth Saltzman, Imran Amed, Ingie Chalhoub, Lauren Santo Domingo, Jefferson Hack, Ruth Chapman, and Yana Peel to secure 40 Founder Patrons. 

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With already 31 confirmed in just four months, they're now focused on further extending the patron programme as well as opportunities for corporate partners to lend their support.

Fares has been working with the BFC on fundraising and supporting young designers for more than 10 years as part of its Fashion Trust initiative.

Meanwhile, Marandi works alongside her husband, Javad, who holds stakes in London labels Anya Hindmarch and Emilia Wickstead, and has advisory roles for both labels.

Fares and Marandi commented: “Now more than ever it is extremely important to be able to support young talent. The past year has been really challenging and as we look ahead to the future, we are delighted to work with the British Fashion Council to bring together a group of benefactors from all around the world who will contribute to the success of British fashion. Our aim is for the Advisory Committee to grow and with it, the support designers and students receive”.

To date, the foundation, formed in 2019, has raised £3.2 million through the British Fashion Awards, among other initiatives.