Today the British Fashion Council (BFC) announces the shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2022 (BFCVDFF).
Chopova Lowena | Completedworks | E.L.V. DENIM | NEOUS | Nicholas Daley |
Richard Malone | Richard Quinn | TOVE
Established in 2008, the BFCVDFF supports creativity in business and aims to celebrate exceptional talent and empower businesses to play their part in positive growth through bespoke mentoring and awarding of a £200,000 cash prize. The Fund receives the generous support of British Vogue, Burberry, Clearpay, Paul Smith and Rodial.
This year’s judging committee is chaired by Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director, Vogue. The committee comprises of experts from across the fashion industry: Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council; Maria Hatzistefanis, Founder/CEO, Rodial; Elizabeth von der Goltz, Chief Commercial Officer, Matches Fashion; Julia Sarr-Jamois, Fashion Director, British Vogue; Lauren Indvik, Fashion Editor, Financial Times; Rod Manley, Chief Marketing Officer, Burberry; Sarah Harris, Deputy Editor & Fashion Features Director, British Vogue; Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, vogue.com & BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent.
Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director, Vogue & Chair of the Fund Committee, said: “The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is an integral initiative that supports emerging talent in the UK fashion industry. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent in the UK.”
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive British Fashion Council, commented: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers. The team were astonished at the exceptional talent on display. The trade environment is becoming increasingly challenging, so it is essential for our community to come together and support these talented forces that are pushing fashion forward. This year’s shortlist demonstrates the incredible breadth of talent we have here in the UK and we are very excited to work with Edward and our new Judging Committee Members and Funders.”
The Fund criteria reflect the values of excellence in design and strong business acumen, and applications were encouraged from all over the UK. Collections should consist primarily of womenswear/womenswear accessories/all gender collections, and the application process encouraged brands to think strategically about how they are incorporating the three pillars of the Institute of Positive Fashion: Environment, People and Community & Craftsmanship into their brand. The Fund provides for the winner/s the injection of cash along with new knowledge through high-level mentoring to develop vital areas of their business, as well as support for all shortlisted designers on areas such as accounting, merchandising, business strategy, international markets, retail and e-commerce. The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund Judging Committee this coming March with the winner/s announced in May.
BFCVDFF is part of the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152) which brings all the BFC’s charitable initiatives under one umbrella supporting the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on three areas: Education, Grant-Giving and Business Mentoring. The BFC Foundation further enhances the UK’s position as the best place to study, start and develop a fashion business. The charity activates four support initiatives and allocates several scholarships each year to students, aiming to strengthen those leading the way in terms of creativity, positive business growth, environmental and community impact as well as to increase the diversity of the talent pool.
In 2020/21, the BFC raised £1.7 million for the BFC Foundation and its talent support initiatives and supported 34 designers and a number of students through mentoring and financial support grants.
Previous winners of the BFCVDFF include Bethany Williams (2021), WALES BONNER (2019), Molly Goddard (2018), Mother of Pearl & palmer//harding (2017), Sophia Webster (2016), Mary Katrantzou (2015), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010).
With thanks to Mishcon de Reya for their pro-bono legal services, and the BFC Fashion Business Network and one-to-one mentors.