The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced its shortlist of designers
for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2018. In addition to announcing the
shortlist of designers eligible for the Fund, the BFC revealed that it is
set to receive support from one of China’s largest online retailers,
JD.com, for the first time.
The shortlist for the Fund includes David Koma, Huishan Zhang, Le Kilt,
Marques’ Almeida, Molly Goddard and Rejina Pyo. Established in 2008, the
BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund aims to support new talent and accelerate
their growth over a twelve-month period through extensive mentoring. In
addition, the winning recipients of the Fund also receive a cash prize of
200,000 pounds to support their business. The shortlisted designers will be
interviewed by the judging committee on March 15 at Mortimer House, before
the winner is announced on May 8, 2018.
The 2018 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund received a number of applications
across the UK, with many not shortlisted placed on the radar of the judging
committee for the first time. This year’s judging committee is chaired by
Edward Enninful OBE, Editor of British Vogue and comprises of a series of
experts from across the industry such as Caroline Rush CBE, head of the
British Fashion Council, Erdem Moralioglu, founder of fashion label Erdem,
Gemma Metheringham from LABEL and Jourdan Dunn, leading UK model.
“The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is a hugely important initiative and I
am thrilled to have Chaired this year’s committee,” said Edward Enninful
OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, in a
statement. “Our shortlist is a true representation of the diverse and
inspirational design talent we foster in the UK, and I’m excited to see who
will impress us as we move forward.” The renewed application process for
the Fund encouraged applicants to think strategically about its core
objective of business growth.
All shortlisted designers are set to receive a full mentoring programme
through the BFC’s Business Support Team, with access to funders and
industry experts including a roundtable hosted by Sir Paul Smith and a
mentoring session from Rodial’s Maria Hatzistefanis. In addition, Xia Ding
from JD.com will share expertise on how to best penetrate the Chinese
market, the world’s second-largest consumer and luxury market, and expand
their customer bases into the country. Furthermore, award-winning law firm
Mishcon de Reya will offer pro-bono legal advice to the finalists and
winner.
Although the Fund was shared between the two recipients, Mother of Pearl
and palmer//harding, for the 10 year anniversary the Fund is set to return
to its original format and award one winner. “It is a very exciting
shortlist which shows the breadth of talent we have here in the UK,” said
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council. “All
shortlisted designers are incredibly talented and have the potential to
become the UK’s next global fashion house. We are very excited to work with
Edward and welcome our new Judging Committee members and Funders who are
joining Burberry, Topshop and Paul Smith who have supported the fund since
its inception.”
Former winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund include Christopher
Kane, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Nicholas Kirkwood, Peter Pilotto and Sophia
Webster.
Foto: British Fashion Council website