The fashion industry needs more investment into young talent, MPs have heard, ahead of London Fashion Week.
In Westminster Hall on Tuesday politicians debated the cultural and economic impact of the world renowned clothing trade show, which begins on September 18.
But Rosie Wrighting, the MP for Kettering, who secured the debate, stressed the importance of “investment in the next generation of creatives – not just in the capital.”
She warned of the “barriers that risk narrowing the pipeline of talent”, including low wages for freelancers and lack of opportunity in creative careers outside of London.
“If we don’t tackle the challenges, we risk losing the talent that makes Britain a leading name in international fashion,” the former fashion buyer said.
The fashion industry currently contributes $60billion to the British economy and supports around 900,000 jobs.
MPs representing constituencies across the UK said talent needs to be “harnessed” from across the country and not just in London.
Gill German, MP for Clwyd North, said London Fashion Week is an example “of what can be achieved when talent is given the right platform” and if such investment into young talent was invested in Wales, the country could “unlock even more of this potential.”
Lib Dem MP for Wokingham Clive Jones called for better funding into arts subjects and high-quality apprenticeships in creative and digital industries.
He said: “Economically, [fashion] is a powerhouse, culturally it is a beacon of creativity, socially it has the chance to lead on sustainability and ethics. We must not take it for granted. We must invest in the education of young designers.”
Ms Wrighting added that the fashion industry is one that “is fundamentally better off with working class voices within it”.
The MPs applauded the “New Gen Programme” launched by the British Fashion Council which looks to provide scholarship funding and mentoring for fashion students.
They also praised choices by the British Fashion Council to ban exotic animal skin from the catwalk – making it the first European catwalk out of the Big Four to do so.
However, MPs also called for more commitment to sustainability initiatives.
Conservative MP for Bexley and Sidcup, Louie French, said that “creativity and responsibility can go hand in hand”.
Mr Jones added that more than 300 tonnes of clothing is thrown away each year and said London Fashion Week has the opportunity to “lead the world in style and sustainability.”
Daniel Francis, Labour MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, also raised the need to make adaptive clothing for those with disabilities more accessible.
As a parent of a child with celebral palsy, Mr Francis said he hopes that London Fashion Week will use its role to promote adaptive clothing beyond the high street.
