The British Fashion Council today announced the 2015 shortlist for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Mother of Pearl, Osman and Sophia Webster have all been nominated for the prize, which helps develop emerging talent into global designer brands. Previous winners of the fund include Erdem, Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood and Peter Pilotto.
Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, said about the shortlist: “It was exciting to have such a diverse shortlist to consider, all of whom have carved out a distinctive niche for themselves. I congratulate all of them for reaching this stage in a highly competitive arena.”
The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund provides one designer with a mentoring support programme over a 12 month period, as well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business. This year the BFC has created an exclusive online video series, Designer Fashion Fund, which follows the application process, shows designer journeys and includes interviews with the judging panel. Episodes will be published over the course of 2015 and can be viewed at youtube.com/BritishFashionTV and Vogue.co.uk
The winner of the award will be announced Tuesday 24th March.
Credits
Photography Shaun James Cox