Today, the British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce the three winners of the BFC Changemakers Prize in Partnership with Swarovski.
Environment: John Hickling, Founder of The Glass Onion
People: Cyndia Harvey, International Hairstylist
Community & Craftsmanship: Andrew Kenny, Owner of The London Embroidery Studio
Launched earlier this year, the new initiative aims to discover and celebrate the fashion industry’s unsung stars who go above and beyond to strive for positive change, make outstanding contributions and inspire others on their journey. As a brand and long-term partner of the BFC, Swarovski is committed to championing the hidden heroes who aspire to have a positive impact on the creative industries and create a more sustainable future.
The Prize was open to anyone working in the fashion industry, celebrating and promoting inclusivity, individual achievement and innovative thought. Entrants were nominated by colleagues, peers, employers, and businesses, recognising their outstanding work within one of the three pillars of the BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF): Environment, People, and Community & Craftsmanship.
Caroline Rush, BFC Chief Executive commented: ‘What is really exciting about the BFC Changemakers Prize in Partnership with Swarovski is the ability to provide these leaders of the future with the support and recognition to continue to ignite their dreams. Our hope is to facilitate them with their incredible work, allowing them to continue to actualise their aspirations for the industry. As a brand and partner for the BFC Changemakers Prize, Swarovski is also committed to championing individuals in the creative industries with the unique ability to ignite dreams, create positive change and inspire others on their journey. We look forward to seeing all our Changemakers ignite their dreams.’
Having received over 500 entries, the panel of judges shortlisted nine finalists from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines before selecting the three winners. Chaired by BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush and Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, the judging committee included some of the British fashion industry’s most inspiring and influential names, including Edward Enninful, Editor-In-Chief, British Vogue & European Editorial Director, Vogue; Farrah Storr, Editor-In-Chief, ELLE UK; Ib Kamara, Editor-In-Chief, Dazed, Jo Ellison, Editor, How to Spend It & Deputy Editor, FT Weekend; Lily Cole, Model & Activist; Munroe Bergdorf, Model & Activist, and Tan France, Fashion Television Personality.
Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski Creative Director said: ‘Swarovski has stepped forward with a bold vision for the future; it’s mission is to ignite dreams. The brand is true to Daniel Swarovski’s founding spirit as a radically inclusive laboratory of creativity that invites the world to celebrate their individuality. As partners of the British Fashion Council on the Changemakers Prize we are delighted to be able to bring this vision to life by shining a light on individuals who through their unique creative approaches and values have not only ignited their own dreams but also those of others; their work will have a lasting positive impact and succeed in creating a new, positive narrative in fashion.’
The BFC and Swarovski are proud to celebrate the three winners at an exclusive reception on 21st September during London Fashion Week. Each winner will receive a cash prize of £7500 in addition to a bespoke mentoring package headed up by industry leaders, offering support from the BFC and Swarovski to continue their excellent work.
Environment
John Hickling/ Craft-maker / @glassonionvintage
John is the founder of Glass Onion in South Yorkshire, a vintage and remade clothing provider to the Highstreet who have recently launched a DTC website. Sorting and grading fifteen tonnes of used clothing each week, they are growing a factory that only ‘remakes’ vintage clothing – cutting, sewing and remaking 12,000 remade pieces per month.
People
Cyndia Harvey/ Hair-maker / @cyndiaharvey
As one of the most exciting hair stylists of her generation, Cyndia has a unique vision for inclusive beauty, aiming to represent the entire spectrum of beauty and utilise her skills to fight for the visibility of underrepresented groups of society. A champion of Black women and Black hair, she created the powerful, thought-provoking film ‘This Hair of Mine’, 2017.
Community & Craftsmanship
Andrew Kenny/ Thread-maker / @londonembroiderystudio
Owner of The London Embroidery Studio in East London, Andrew uses traditional skills to generate new exciting techniques with cutting edge embroidery machines. Marrying new technology with the exportation of new techniques is at the heart of his creative strategy, developing embroidery for large and small fashion, interior, film, and TV clients worldwide. This is alongside offering courses to the local community, often with discounts for disadvantaged members/those on a low income.