BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2016 Shortlist – Osman Yousefzada, Osman; Amy Powney, Mother of Pearl; Emilia Wickstead; Sophia Webster; and Anna Laub, Prism (image courtesy of Shaun James Cox, British Fashion Council).
The British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist for 2016 has been announced. The 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 shortlist is:
Emilia Wickstead | Mother of Pearl | Osman | Prism | Sophia Webster
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. The committee comprises of experts from across the fashion industry, including Caroline Rush CBE, British Fashion Council; Ian Lewis, Harrys of London Limited; Joan Burstein CBE, Browns; Samantha Cameron, British Fashion Council Ambassador; Sarah Manley, Burberry; and Victoria Beckham.
Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, revealed she found the shortlist “inspiring….because of its diversity. It’s a great representation of the spread of British fashion designers.” Caroline Rush CBE added “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.”
To coincide with the announcement, Harrods will be dedicating one of its world-famous windows to the five shortlisted designers. Previous winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund include Christopher Kane, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Nicholas Kirkwood and Peter Pilotto.