BFC reveals names of designers shortlisted for BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Feb 4, 2015

Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Mother of Pearl, Osman and Sophia Webster are this year's competitors for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, the British Fashion Council announced today.

The designers were chosen by the Fund Judging Committee, which includes Alexandra Shulman, British Vogue; Caroline Rush, British Fashion Council; Ian Lewis, No.14 Savile Row; Mary Homer, Topshop; Mrs. B, Browns; Naomi Campbell; Samantha Cameron; Sarah Manley, Burberry, and Susanne Tide-Frater, Farfetch/Victoria Beckham.

Each nominee was chosen because her/his business is in "a strong position to develop into a global designer brand and represent the best of London's thriving fashion talent," the BFC stated. The winner receives a high level mentoring support program over a 12-month period, as well as a £200,000 grant.

Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, said about the shortlist: "It was exciting to have such a diverse shortlist to consider, all of whom have carved out a distinctive niche for themselves. I congratulate all of them for reaching this stage in a highly competitive arena." 

Last year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award went to Peter Pilotto. The previous winners of British Fashion's prestigious prize are Erdem (2010), Burberry's creative director Christopher Kane (2011), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013).

The fund is now in its sixth year and this year there is also an exclusive online video series, Designer Fashion Fund. It follows the application process and journeys of the designers, and features interviews with the judging panel and the previous winners of the Fund.