Clare Lichfield Co – Founder of Sequinova Meets King Charles III and Wins Big at the London Fashion Awards

One of our forward-thinking residents at the FC Designer Workspace, Clare Lichfield, has continued to make a remarkable impact on the international fashion stage.

Clare, founder of Bodici and co-founder of sustainable materials startup Sequinova, was honoured with a warm reception from His Majesty King Charles III during London Fashion Week, where she had the rare opportunity to meet the monarch amidst the showcase of creativity, craftsmanship and sustainability. King Charles appeared at London Fashion Week alongside influential figures, including designer Stella McCartney, reflecting his growing support for eco-conscious innovation in fashion from emerging designers to material innovators.

(Clare meeting His Majesty King Charles III during London Fashion Week with Stella McCartney)

But that was not all. Clare’s work with Sequinova was also recognised at the London Fashion Awards, that took place 21st February 2026, where she was presented with the Fashion Innovation Award,  a moment of real celebration for sustainable material research and for British creativity at large. The first annual ceremony brought together some of London’s most influential and talented voices, shining a spotlight on innovation and design excellence.

Sequinova, the eco-material venture co-founded by Clare, is pioneering plant-based and biodegradable sequins, presenting a radical alternative to conventional plastic-derived versions that dominate the global market. These sequins are crafted from sustainably sourced wood and processed through green chemistry, offering the performance and shine designers expect, without contributing to microplastic pollution.

The innovation has already attracted attention from major fashion houses. Sequinova’s plant-based sequins have been featured in Stella McCartney’s collections, marking one of the world’s first commercial uses of sustainable sequins on the catwalk. These designs debuted at Stella McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2025 presentation during Paris Fashion Week, demonstrating that luxury design and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Stella McCartney’s commitment to more responsible materials, including plant-derived sequins, reflects her ongoing leadership in sustainable fashion, a mission she continues to advance alongside her appointment as ambassador of King Charles’ Sustainable Markets Initiative.

(Clare attending the London Fashion Awards in a dress made at the FC Designer Workspace)

Clare’s recognition at the London Fashion Awards is a milestone not just for her pioneering material innovation, but also for the supportive environment of the FC Designer Workspace community. As a resident designer, she has developed both her Bodici label and Sequinova within a vibrant space that nurtures experimentation, sustainability and collaboration.

Big congratulations to Clare and Sequinova team.