BFC appoints Uniqlo Creative Director to executive board

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has appointed Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director of Uniqlo, to its executive board – effective as of 11 March 2026.

Waight Keller will join newly appointed board member Kate Varah, Executive Director and co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, who the BFC drafted in on 21 January.

Both appointments signal a renewed focus on supporting the interests of the British fashion community, while “strengthening the organisation’s leadership at the intersection of creativity, culture and public impact”.

Waight Keller brings creative leadership and global industry experience to the board, having previously served as Artistic Director and Creative Director at international luxury houses including Pringle of Scotland, Chloé and Givenchy.

In 2023, following her collaboration with Uniqlo, Waight Keller was appointed the brand’s first-ever Creative Director, and her new BFC appointment undermines the organisation’s “commitment to placing designer support at the heart of its governance”.

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”.

​​BFC Chair David Pemsel said: “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.”

BFC 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.”