Asiya Durrani-McCann has a career of almost 30 years, within the international luxury & fashion marketing and industry at directorial level, providing direct experience to accelerate and apply to academia. A visionary with a solid reputation as a focused creative business strategist with insight for defining and directing the vision of luxury brands. Experience and success working on a number of globally recognised high-luxury international fashion brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Donna Karen, Purple PR, Erickson Beamon, Swarovski Atelier, Diarough Diamonds, Hervia, Betony Vernon, Sabirah & Monvieve gaining an international status within the industry. Having led international teams as a brand manager, director, collaborator, buyer and consultant. 

Recognised as an industry connector, with a network within the industry spanning every level from designers, press, international buyers, Federation de la Haute Couture, productional houses and professional bodies. With a strong reputation as an inclusive expert working the delicate business relationship between designers and CEOs.

Asiya is the founder of FIF offering you a bridge between academia and Fashion. FIF’s vision is to plan, research and deliver industry professional talks to individuals from undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Promoting employability with critical and rational thinking for the fashion industry. 

Asiya is Curator of @90fromthe90s a personal archive of 90s luxury designer pieces.

In Asiya’s own words, “I am passionate about developing minoritized student confidence and exhale their voices within the academic system to demand truth in delivery of fashion content. Alongside the fashion education system for Black/Brown is dated in a hierarchy that clings to a dated and unreflective past. The current catalytic evolution of the fashion industry requires qualified students who can slip into the culture naturally and push the boundaries of the business”.

Cozette McCreery is a freelance fashion polymath, consultant and connector working with brands such as luxury milliner Stephen Jones, Italian heritage brand ICEBERG, show and project producers Bacchus Production and Swarovski as well as being a fashion editor at 10 Magazine. Having worked as a PA and design assistant to Bella Freud, PR at luxury jeweller Solange Azagury and door person at both Boombox and Ponystep Paris, McCreery began her own much lauded label SIBLING in 2008 alongside Sid Bryan and Joe Bates. For 10 years SIBLING took traditional menswear pieces such as twinsets and sportswear and traditional techniques like fair isle and subverted them for all genders. Sold globally the SIBLING shows held during the men’s and womenswear calendars were the hot ticket.

She also played an important part in rallying for and getting a separate menswear catwalk schedule in London alongside editor Dylan Jones.

During the pandemic she joined forces with designers Holly Fulton, Bethany Williams and Phoebe English to set up the Emergency Designer Network making thousands of updated, high grade scrubs and gowns for the NHS.

McCreery is a visiting fashion lecturer at UEL, Istituto Marangoni, Westminster and the RCA as well as advising BFC Newgen designers, the charity Trust Judy Blame and has a DJ residency at The Glory in East London.

Sandra Bergemann is an accomplished Fashion Sales Manager with a strong track record in the European markets. With her extensive market knowledge, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the international fashion consultancy space, serving esteemed clients such as Adidas Fashion and Style Group, PAIGE, GIANOI, and HYDROGEN.

Prior to her current role, Sandra held various key positions, including Europe Sales Manager (wholesale) for Sapopa Srl and Sales Manager (wholesale) for Dondup at Arcadia Int. She also played pivotal roles in the success of Y-3 Retail under Adidas Fashion Group, as a Project Manager for Y-3 Retail in London.

Sandra's notable achievements during this tenure include setting up the Y-3 Covent Garden store, creating efficient sales teams, managing significant turnovers, and nurturing strong relationships with franchise partners and senior retail personnel. Her contribution to the growth of Adidas Fashion Group's Y-3 brand extended beyond the UK as she took on the role of Project Manager for Y-3 Retail (Europe), designing and delivering sales training that resulted in an impressive sales increase across territories.

Additionally, Sandra's expertise spans multiple luxury brands, including Adidas originals by Opening Ceremony Rick Owens Online, and Raf Simons where she created distribution and sales channels across European markets, and ensured top-notch post-sale customer service.

Earlier in her career, Sandra's talent was recognized by DAKS Simpson Group Ple, where she served as the Head of women's wear Europe wholesale and played a crucial role in elevating the brand's presence in global markets.

Sandra's career began at Ermanno Scervino, where she excelled as the Customer Service Manager, collaborating closely with the design team to shape the collections and maintaining strong relationships with flagship stores and top retailers worldwide.

Arooj Aftab is a fashion creative and brand consultant who has been breaking down barriers in the quest for inclusivity within the fashion industry. Recently named in the inaugural Vogue Business 100 Innovators list, Arooj is recognised as an industry tastemaker and poses important questions about the language we use to promote real and meaningful diversity.

In January 2020, she launched #donewithdiversity, which combines her passion for inclusivity within the fashion world and her talent for illustration. The project aims to encourage brands and publishing platforms to rethink their language and consider if they are truly inclusive to all. Last year, she was announced as the new host for Tommy Hilfiger's third Fashion Frontier, which saw her interview Tommy Hilfiger and CEO Martijn Hagman.

With acknowledgements from The Asian Media Awards, Vogue, Bustle, Stylist Magazine and more, Arooj has been navigating the way for meaningful and long-lasting conversations around accessibility in the fashion industry. These consultations aim to guide brands for better workplace practices internally and also in their outward-facing messaging.

Simon Jablon is the creative and commercial force behind the remarkable resurgence of Linda Farrow, the iconic eyewear brand that defies industry norms and thrives as a cool independent in an era of rapid consolidation.

In 2003, Simon Jablon stumbled upon a hidden treasure trove within the family warehouse - thousands of vintage Linda Farrow sunglasses. These forgotten gems held the legacy of a brand that had once redefined eyewear as a sophisticated accessory under the direction of his mother, Linda Farrow. After her retirement, the brand had slipped into dormancy until Simon, with his deep appreciation for design, took up the task of restoring its former glory.

Simon's journey to reinvigorate Linda Farrow led to a strategic approach that resonates with his unique vision. Despite the dominance of massive industry players, including Luxottica, LVMH with Thelios, and Kering Eyewear, Simon's leadership has steered Linda Farrow's course toward distinction and success.

Under Simon's guidance, Linda Farrow has redefined eyewear design, embodying both classiness and innovation - a remarkable feat that sets it apart. Farrow has cultivated a loyal customer base, retailed in exclusive eyewear boutiques and approximately 500 top-tier specialists worldwide.

Simon Jablon's ingenuity and determination shine through as he navigates the challenges of maintaining a private, family-owned brand amidst industry giants. Simon's leadership extends to collaborations with esteemed designers like Jeremy Scott, Bernhard Willhelm, and Dries Van Noten, demonstrating his innovative spirit and commitment to driving the brand forward.

His dedication to exceptional design, customer experience, and strategic partnerships continues to steer Linda Farrow toward new horizons while honouring its rich history.

Andrew Stewart has been working in fashion retail since he was 13 years old, graduated with a BA in Fashion and textiles.

He joined the first Space NK in Covent Garden where he was in retail sales and joined the founder Nikky Kinnaird on buying appointments.

He then worked as a design assistant at Pepe jeans and then as collection coordinator for super cool Japanese, London-based designer brand, Oguri Design.

Andrew learnt quickly and worked on the 3 collections a season, started travelling to Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo and was exposed to the commercial side of the business and involved in wholesale and trade show appointments which he loved!

He joined J and M Davidson and headed production, merchandising and international sales.

Since then, Andrew has worked in luxury shoes for Emma Hope and for the last 17 vears at Rupert Sanderson where he oversees, franchise, retail and wholesale working closely with leading boutiques all over the world.

Andrew also is head of sales at Arch 4, a sustainable cashmere brand, designed in London and produced in Inner Mongolia and has built a strong, business with Netaporter, Matches and Harrods amongst other key stores.

Oggy Nikolova is a Business and Career Consultant and expert in Luxury Fashion Business, owner of a fashion business development agency based in the UK - THE AGENCY DE LA MODE The Agency De La Mode, and owner of Fashion Career Consultancy FASHION SUPER INTERN, Luxury Showroom

BUYER'S ISSUE and Fashion Business Academy for Brand Development in Bulgaria - Academy De La Mode.

Over the past 6 years, Oggy has been taking care of the success of start-up and small luxury fashion brands in the UK, Europe, USA and beyond with global international reach, as well as mentoring and coaching fashion graduates, students, and professionals along their path to success in the Fashion and Luxury Industry.

Oggy is a Master's (MBA) in Luxury Fashion Business Management, with 13 + years of experience working with luxury and premium brands, as well as an Associate Lecturer of Fashion Business at the Fashion Retail Academy (FRA), UK.

Her experience in the fashion industry | includes brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, Balenciaga, YSL, Net-A-Porter and many others, as an Executive International Recruitment Consultant.

Established in 2016 THE AGENCY DE LA MODE is a Creative Agency for

Marketing and Business Management of Luxury Fashion brands, based in England. Clients include over 120 brands across Europe, Asia, America, UAE, and GCC to date. Established in 2018 FASHION SUPER INTERN is a career coaching platform that supports students and graduates through mentoring programs to achieve fast success in landing a role in the industry, with over 250+ clients to date.

Jens Laugesen began his journey in Haute Couture craftsmanship, Jens secured two master's degrees from IFM Paris and Central Saint Martins, London. His debut at London Fashion Week with his self-titled brand marked the beginning of numerous accolades:

Fashion East, British Fashion Council NEW GEN, Fashion Forward in London, Denmark's Designer of the Year, and the prestigious LVMH X ANDAM in Paris, a first for a UK based designer.

Laugesen's unique, conceptual designs gained traction when Rei Kawabuko showcased them at DSMP. His contributions to the fashion world have earned spots at institutions like FIT Museum in New York, V&A London, MAD Musée des Arts Décoratifs Paris, and DESIGN MUSEUM DENMARK in Copenhagen.

His consulting prowess led to collaborations with global brands like Calvin Klein, J. Mendel, LG CORP, and Net-A-Porter YOOX. Noted for his innovative design thinking and affinity for conceptual glitches, Jens's forav into fashion film commenced in 2004 with FAITH IN CHAOS, produced with Nick Knight, making him a frequent contributor to Show Studio.

2018 marked the rebirth of his brand, accentuated by the backing of the DANISH ARTS FOUNDATION. The relaunch resulted in two design trilogies; annual fashion films presented at international platforms. The pandemic inspired him to reintroduce his brand with a

"Democratic Unifit for All" ideology, ushering in virtual and digital collaborations. His London Fashion Week event showcased an amalgamation of fashion, art, and AR, thanks to partnerships with STYL PROTOCOL and VZNZ. This immersive "phygital" venture evolved into a broader role as Creative Director at Hong Kong's Virtual Touch. Together, they unveiled digital galleries displaying the AW collections and the METASENS TRILOGY COLLECTIVE PROJECT, which was birthed in synergy with artists from the Maison Dao collective and METAVERSE FASHION COUNCIL network.

Emmanuel is Founder and Creative Director of Le Merj a design house that merges different aspects of design under one roof. Its founder and creative director, Emmanuel, draws inspiration from his background in architecture to create timeless pieces that focus on the user's physicality. With an expressive and distinctive brand identity, Le Merj is an evolving and innovative artistic empire. Beyond fashion, the brand also features paintings and furniture pieces.

Amaan Duffer is the Creative Director & Founder at Basliq.

He also works as a Creative Consultant. Growing up in the North of England detached from any major fashion hub Amaan used social media to find an in for himself within the fashion industry and has since placed both himself and his brand at some of the most auspicious events and on some of the industries finest.

A student at London college of fashion and building his brand, Basliq, at the same time Amaan approached the concept of fashion education with a double-edged sword. Beating down the trees that block the path ahead whilst also learning how to pave it

Furvah Shah is a journalist at Cosmopolitan UK with her writing featured in Elle UK, The Independent, BBC News, Gal-dem Magazine, Amaliah and more.

She's passionate about diversifying representations of minorities within the media, particularly women of colour and Muslim women.

Karen Binns is boundary pushing editor, creative director & fashion Icon. Hailing from New York, Bins has worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years. In 2019, Bins became fashion editor at Fashion Roundtable

Binns began her career in the arts, working as a muse to the legendary artist Jean Michel Basquiat. Other than hosting Downtown NY nights, with guest lists consisting of painters, photographers, actors and writers, she created the first of moving warehouse parties called Soulboys.

Binns previously studied and worked on designer Andre Walker Paris catwalk shows, and was also the creative director for &Tori Amos. Binns has consulted for designers including Ashish Gupta, Maharishi and Kanye West, and worked with the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Binns has contributed to publications including Dazed, Rolling Stone, True and Untold. She currently has her own UK-based pop art journal called What.

Attendees are in for a revelation of the fashion industry's evolution and were the intention of the future is . We are truly grateful for Karen's presence at FIF.

Hilary Xherimeja London-based entrepreneur fast becoming a pioneering voice within the Genz community Sondr. With a multi-dimensional background and formative experience in PR, fashion, business and tech, Hilary is a provocative young leader who is deeply passionate about creating real change in the creative industries. This can be seen in her latest project, sondr, a platform driven by inclusivity, intersectionality and authenticity.