On February 18, the British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the appointment of Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director of Uniqlo, and Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, as new members of its Executive Board.
The appointments reaffirm the BFC’s commitment to supporting the interests of the British fashion community while strengthening its leadership at the intersection of creativity, culture, and public impact. Fashion is positioned not merely as an industry, but as a vital part of the United Kingdom’s cultural capital.
Clare Waight Keller — Bringing the Designer’s Perspective to the Core
Waight Keller previously served as Artistic Director and Creative Director at Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy, where she successfully balanced creative vision with commercial strategy. Her experience in honoring brand heritage while driving global expansion offers significant insight for the British fashion sector.
In 2023, following her collaboration with Uniqlo, she was appointed the brand’s first-ever Creative Director, taking on the role of bridging high-level design with global accessibility at scale.
Her appointment reflects the direction set under Laura Weir’s leadership to place designer support at the center of governance. Waight Keller’s firsthand understanding of today’s complex creative ecosystem will directly inform the BFC’s strategic planning.
Waight Keller commented: “It is an honour to join the Board. Supporting the next generation of British design talent and contributing to the future of our industry is a cause I care deeply about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the organisation’s work with its members and the broader fashion community.”
Kate Varah — Expanding Cultural Leadership and Public Engagement
Varah brings extensive experience in cultural leadership and institutional transformation. At the National Theatre, and previously at The Old Vic, she led major organizational reform and strengthened revenue structures while expanding access to the arts across theatres, cinemas, homes, classrooms, and communities.
Her background resonates with key challenges facing the fashion industry today, including access to creative education and long-term investment in talent. Though fashion and theatre operate in different spheres, both belong to the broader creative economy and share structural challenges and opportunities.
Varah stated: “British creativity is one of our greatest national assets and across theatre and fashion we nurture emerging, boundary pushing talent alongside celebrating world class craft that influences international trends. I look forward to supporting Laura and the organisation’s mission to champion that talent, culture and innovation on a global stage.”
A Strategic Turning Point for the BFC
Commenting on the appointments, BFC Chair David Pemsel said: “These appointments mark an important step in strengthening the BFC’s leadership for the future,” adding, “Clare Waight Keller brings global creative authority and deep industry experience as a designer and brand builder, while Kate Varah offers proven expertise in cultural transformation, fundraising and public engagement. Together, they broaden the Board’s perspective and reinforce our commitment to championing fashion as a vital part of the UK’s creative and cultural landscape. I’m delighted to welcome them both.”
Chief Executive Laura Weir added: “These appointments reflect our ambition to drive meaningful strategic connection between British fashion and the wider creative economy and to ensure that the lived experience of designers informs every part of our work. Their expertise will be invaluable as we deliver a renewed mission for the BFC and its community.”
Varah joined the Board on January 21, 2026, and Waight Keller is set to join on March 11, 2026.
At a time when fashion increasingly intersects with economic policy, cultural policy, and education, the composition of the BFC’s Board carries significance beyond a routine leadership update. By incorporating both a creator’s perspective and cultural management expertise at the governance level, the BFC signals a strategic response to the evolving environment surrounding British fashion.
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