Both appointments signal a renewed focus on supporting the interests of the British fashion community and strengthening the organisation’s leadership at the intersection of creativity, culture and public impact.
The British Fashion Council has appointed Clare Waight Keller, creative director at Uniqlo, and Kate Varah, executive director and co-chief executive of the National Theatre, to its executive board.
The move aims to strengthen leadership across design, culture and public engagement, while reinforcing support for British designers and closer ties between fashion and the wider creative economy.
Clare Waight Keller brings extensive creative leadership and global industry experience to the Board. Having served as Artistic Director and Creative Director at leading international luxury houses, including Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy, she oversaw pivotal creative evolutions and the strategic scaling of brand heritage on a global stage.
In 2023, following her acclaimed collaboration with Uniqlo, Clare was appointed the brand’s first-ever Creative Director, redefining the synergy between high-level design and global accessibility through a lens of innovation and scale.
Clare’s appointment reflects the BFC’s commitment, under Laura Weir’s leadership, to placing designer support at the heart of its governance. By leveraging her expertise in navigating the complexities of modern creative ecosystems, the BFC ensures its strategic direction is informed by the lived realities of building and sustaining creative businesses today. Her experience in integrated brand architecture and international growth will be instrumental in keeping designer needs central to the BFC’s future priorities.
Kate Varah brings expertise in cultural leadership, transformation and income generation. During her tenure to date at the National Theatre, and before that leading The Old Vic, she has played a central role in shaping some of the UK’s most significant cultural institutions, overseeing major organisational change while expanding their reach, relevance and resilience. Highly experienced at partnering with artists to deliver commercial and social impact outcomes, Kate is a strong advocate for the power of the creative industries and the importance of public participation and digital reach. During her time at the National, her focus has been on democratising access to world-class theatre for audiences in theatres, cinemas, homes, classrooms and communities across the UK and globally.
Kate’s appointment reflects the BFC’s commitment to driving public participation in the British fashion industry, deepening its ties with the wider creative and cultural sectors and recognising the shared challenges and opportunities facing fashion, arts and culture today, from access to creative education and long-term investment in talent.
David Pemsel, Chair, British Fashion Council: “These appointments mark an important step in strengthening the BFC’s leadership for the future. 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.”
Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council: “I’m proud that the BFC is welcoming Clare and Kate to the Board at a defining moment for the BFC and for British fashion. 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.”
Kate Varah Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, National Theatre: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Board at what is a pivotal moment for the British Fashion Council under Laura Weir’s leadership. 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.”
Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director, Uniqlo: “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.”
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)