UKFT Rise offers Facebook platform to emerging designers

Rise was launched last year as a network for under 35s working across the industry and will now hold its next events at Facebook’s London office. The first event will take place on April 17 from 7pm with Tracy Yaverbaun, Director of Retail, Luxury & Fashion Partnerships at Facebook speaking to Rise guests about their work with the fashion industry and ways social media can benefit the work and businesses of those rising up the industry today.

Rise and Facebook will hold events with high profile speakers sharing their career stories and advice. Set up by UKFT, Rise is run by a committee of under 35s working in fashion to create and develop a group that they want to be part of.

UKFT Cchief Executive John Miln said: “We are delighted to be working with Facebook to offer Rise members a unique space to come together and share experiences with their peers and hear from some highly influential speakers. We have had an incredible response so far to Rise and we are looking forward to growing a strong network of like-minded individuals who are the future of our industry.”

Tracy Yaverbaun said: “We’re pleased to support UKFT Rise by hosting the next generation of fashion and textile industry professionals at these upcoming events. Fashion and shopping have always been inherently social– we seek the opinion of our friends to validate our choices then naturally share our discoveries with our networks – and at Facebook we’re dedicated to helping fashion brands develop a rich, authentic presence in people’s everyday lives.

"People's behavior hasn’t changed but technology and the means by which we communicate has evolved. I’m looking forward to meeting tomorrow’s business leaders to discuss the future of the industry, and Facebook’s role within it.”

UKFT Rise is part of UKFT’s commitment to support the future of the industry by advising and bringing together people who have started businesses or want to know how to grow their career within the industry and stand out from the crowd. Last year it launched an annual membership which will give members free access to all Rise events and discounts on UKFT seminars and events. Members will also be offered fashion and business discounts.

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