The 2016 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist.
The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund provides one designer with a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period, as well as a £200,000 grant to provide the necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in its business. The 2016 shortlist is: Emilia Wickstead, Prism, Sophia Webster, Mother of Pearl, and Osman.
The nominated designers are selected by the Fund Judging Committee and have all been chosen for their potential to develop into a global designer brand. Chaired by Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue, the committee comprises of experts from across the fashion industry: 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.
“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,” said Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee.
“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,” commented Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council.
To coincide with the announcement, Harrods dedicated one of its world famous windows to the five shortlisted designers.
The BFC / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (The Fund) was launched by BFC Chairman Harold Tillman in September 2008 as part of the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The Fund is supported by Burberry, Harrods, Paul Smith, Topshop and Vogue. Since its inception, winners of The Fund include Erdem (2010), Christopher Kane (2011), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013) & Peter Pilotto (2014).
The winner of the award will be announced Tuesday 22nd March 2016.
