05 September 2013
PRESS RELEASE
The British Fashion Council launches Blogger Strategy
 |
| Photo courtesy of londonfashionweek.com |
Fashion blogging both in the UK and internationally has exploded; last season alone over 2 000 bloggers registered to attend London Fashion Week. With an average rise in applications of 25% season on season since launching blogger registration in February 2011, projected registration for September 2014 would exceed 3,000 applications.
To be able to manage the increased interest and provide the best experience for bloggers who receive accreditation, the British Fashion Council is developing a strategy that it hopes to implement over the next year.
Although in its early stages, the British Fashion Council has initiated an open channel of communication with a working party of bloggers who represent a cross section of some of the UK’s most successful fashion blogs. By uniting a broad range of bloggers to act as advisors on wide ranging issues, including increased blogger registration, vetting, best practise for bloggers and on-site facilities at LFW, the BFC has identified a list of action points to be implemented this season.
WE ARE SELECTING THE BLOGGERS THAT ADD VALUE TO LONDON FASHION WEEK
London Fashion Week is a trade event. To be accredited, bloggers must have a wide reach, influence, engagement and evidence that they support the work of British designers. The application and vetting process for bloggers requires time and consideration so we will no longer be accrediting bloggers on-site during the event.
WE ARE INCREASING THE VALUE OF ACCREDITATION FOR BLOGGERS AT LONDON FASHION WEEK
With enough time before the shows begin, the BFC will be able compile and distribute the final list of accredited bloggers for London Fashion Week to PRs ahead of the event. Accreditation will be awarded on a seasonal basis
EVERY BLOGGER WHO REGISTERS THEIR INTEREST IN LONDON FASHION WEEK WILL RECEIVE A BRIEFING PACK
The briefing pack for accredited bloggers will detail what accreditation offers, provide information about on-site facilities and events, and will outline a code of conduct. Non-accredited bloggers will receive a synopsis of ways to get involved, including access to media packs and an online blogger hub, within which daily highlight videos, imagery and information on related events will be available. The briefing pack will also include information about relevant events throughout the year, emphasising a 365 day approach to bloggers generating content.
THE BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL’S BLOG PORTAL WILL BE REFOCUSED
The blog portal will represent our accredited bloggers for London Fashion Week and will be updated season on season to reflect this dynamic list. This will provide a useful year-round resource for the wider industry.
ONSITE FACILITIES AT LONDON FASHION WEEK
Samsung are providing a space for bloggers with lockers and charging stations on the first floor of Somerset House. This is in addition to The Samsung Press and Buyers Study, where 10 laptops will be available for use by accredited bloggers.
Sasha Wilkins, Liberty London Girl, commented:
"As both journalist and blogger it's been an extraordinary experience to watch the exponential growth of blogging from both sides since I started blogging in 2006. With that growth has come many unforeseen logistical challenges for the entire industry at London Fashion Week, and I'm very pleased to be working with the British Fashion Council as they start to implement a continuing programme of measures to help bloggers and editors alike navigate London Fashion Week in the digital age."
_____________________________________________
"Fashion blogging has changed the media landscape dramatically in the last few years and so it is great that the British Fashion Council recognises those changes. London Fashion Week features many young designers that really benefit from having their work showcased by a variety of media platforms, and that includes blogging and having social media presence. As a blogger, it's great to be working with the British Fashion Council on facilitating changes that will aid the blogging community to better create content about London Fashion Week and to establish blogging as a legitimate media channel at fashion week."
- Susie Lau, Founder of Style Bubble
_____________________________________________
For press enquiries regarding the British Fashion Council please contact:
Will Rowley
+44 (0) 20 7759 1968
For more information on London Fashion Week please visit:
Photograph by: Nicholas Kay
Left to Right: Krista Madden, beautyandthedirt.com & Handpicked Media, Simon Glazin, The Very Simon G, Joao Paulo Nunes, The Style Examiner; Emily Johnston, Fashion Foie Gras; Karen Hendry, Katie Chutzpah; Ella Gregory, Coco's Tea Party; Susanna Lau, Style Bubble; Danielle Wightman-Stone, Fashionista Barbie; Navaz Batliwalla, Disney Roller Girl; Steve Salter, Style Salvage
Not Pictured: Abisola Omole, Abi Marvel; Ella Catliff, La Petite Anglaise; Laetitia Wajnapel, Mademoiselle Robot; Reena Rai, Fashion Daydreams
_____________________________________________
SO many things are wrong with this, it's hard to know where to begin!
Overall, as a publication directly affected by this, I have to say that I still don't think it fairly represents smaller names. These initiatives seem to be singling out a list of 'It' Blogs, whilst dismissing the rest as persona non grata. As I have been saying for some time now, what the BFC NEED to be doing, is creating 'New' and 'Rising Star' opportunities, akin to the platforms they provide for new designers. Bloggers are a conduit and resource that no marketer worth their salt can afford to do without. Up and comers don't wait to be told what to like, enthusiasts like myself go out and find our content, and build our following organically. Celebrating those who already have a wide reach does nothing but create a dominant elite, the likes of which does absolutely nada to nurture new talent!
By definition (of opinion), this very blog that you are reading (and thus engaging with), does not 'add value' to London Fashion Week, because it does not meet one of the criterion listed above. By not fully meeting all of the required points, I would not achieve accreditation and as a result, London Fashion Week would by definition, be of 'No Value' to me, as a non-accredited blogger. So what's the solution?
Well were it not for a contact list that I have worked very hard to cultivate, I would not have gotten my feet wet at February's AW13 unveiling, nor would I be attending any of the SS14 shows (more about that to come over the next week); because my experience with the BFC to date has not been a positive, nor supportive one. So whilst I would always recommend trying the front door in the first instance, my advice to those wishing to progress, comes in the form of some simple food for thought, for you to do with, what you will:
When organisations like the British Fashion Council shut the front door, always remember that there are plenty of windows and back doors that are WIDE open, and welcoming of some fresh air...
Until the next, dear readers!
ES ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment