The current British fashion scene is vibrant and world class.
British fashion and textile designers have an international reputation for being eccentric, thought-provoking and boldly innovative. They are not, and never have been, scared to try a new approach or use a new material or fashion concept.
The industry as a whole is constantly defying the status quo; this approach has enabled London to remain firmly at the centre of the world fashion map for the last 50 years. Paris, New York, Milan and Rome have longed to be in this premium position, but to its credit London has held onto its lead through sheer hard work and collective effort. Success does not come by chance - it has to be earned.
Fashion and textiles are two different disciplines but at the same time are complimenatry and sympathetic towards each other. It has developed over the years into a symbiotic relationship which is fully understood by both partners.
Many of today's British textile designers are balancing creativity and theory together with traditional craft to create innovative and contemporary garments and accessories. This combination of approach has produced some of the most stunning fabrics and garments ever produced and shows the powerful mix of handcraft and high technology which has created the unique appearance of British designs.
To attain and maintain this position, the past has by no means been forgotten. British Prime Minister Ted Heath once said over 35 years ago: "The past is the key to our future and we forget it at our peril".
This is so true for our industry. If we forget the past, how will we know where we are in the grand scheme of things? How did we get here? What mistakes were made on the way and, more importantly, how can these be avoided in the relentless march forward to produce something new for the next season?
Progress will take place, it has to; look at any company or even country which turns its back on progress and it enters a world of second rate aspirations and achievements, leading to nothing and going nowhere.
Our industry perhaps more than any other has not forgotten the research laboratories of the major synthetic fabric producers throughout the world. Quite the opposite has taken place, and new materials have been embraced when it becomes obvious that they can be usefully incorporated and thus used to break into new areas of design.
