BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist announced

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Jan 19, 2016

If you're an emerging designer, winning the Designer Fashion Fund from the British Fashion Council and Vogue can be a much-needed boost for your company. The Fashion Fund consists of a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period, as well as a £200,000 grant.

The 2016 shortlist for the fund has now been revealed. The nominees are Emilia Wickstead, Mother of Pearl, Osman, Prism and Sophia Webster. They have all been selected by the Fund Judging Committee for their potential to develop into global designer brands.

The committee that chose the nominees is filled with big fashion names: Caroline Rush CBE, British Fashion Council; Ian Lewis, Harrys of London Limited; Joan Burstein CBE, Browns; Lisa Armstrong, The Daily Telegraph; Mary Homer, Topshop; Samantha Cameron, British Fashion Council Ambassador; Sarah Manley, Burberry; Susanne Tide-Frater, Farfetch/Victoria Beckham; and Victoria Beckham.

Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, said about the shortlist: “This is an inspiring shortlist because of its diversity. It's a great representation of the spread of British fashion designers and all the contenders have huge strengths to their creative visions.”

Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, commented, “We have been impressed by this year’s shortlist. These brands represent the best of London’s fashion talent as well as showing impressive business acumen. These designers all have the potential to become Britain’s next generation of global fashion brands.”

British luxury department store Harrods is dedicating one of its world famous windows to the five shortlisted designers, to be unveiled on January 19. The winner will be announced on March 22 and follow in the footsteps of former winners Christopher Kane, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Nicholas Kirkwood and Peter Pilotto.