BFC Vogue/Designer Fashion Fund shortlist announced

By

Lauren Walker

Published
Dec 19, 2013

The British Fashion Council has announced the shortlist for the fifth annual BFC Vogue/Designer Fashion Fund. The fund, which has previously been awarded to designers such as Erdem and Christopher Kane, is aimed at accompanying British talent on the path to becoming a global designer brand.

Nominated this year are Emilia Wickstead, a favourite of Kate Middleton, Mary Katrantzou, known for her use of graphic print, House of Holland, Osman, Peter Pilotto and Zoe Jordan, who launched her first collection in spring-summer 2012.

As well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business, the winner will receive a bespoke mentoring support programme over the course of 12 months.

Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, commented, “The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund has a proven track record of enabling British designers to make the transition from rising stars to incredible international businesses. The strength of this year’s shortlist represents a generation of talent who are ready for the financial and mentoring support The Fund offers.”

In 2013, Nicholas Kirkwood was awarded the grant to help develop his footwear brand and has since received financial backing from French luxury conglomerate, LVMH.

The winner of the BFC Vogue/Designer Fashion Fund 2014 will be announced on 28th January.