2019 BFC/VOGUE DESIGNER FASHION FUND SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

by Stephen Garner
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2019.

The shortlisted designers include A.W.A.K.E Mode, Alighieri, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, David Koma, Neous, Rejina Pyo, and Wales Bonner.

Established in 2008, The Fund aims to discover new talent and accelerate growth over a twelve-month period through mentoring and awarding a cash prize of £200,000. The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund receives the generous support of British Vogue, Burberry, JD.com, Label/Mix, Paul Smith, Rodial and Topshop.

The Fund awards one designer and helps bring new knowledge to businesses and the finance put towards a full time or consultant team member but also to advise on areas such as accountancy, merchandising, business strategy, international growth, retail, and e-commerce.

The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund Judging Committee on Friday, March 15, 2019 with the winner being announced on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

“The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund continues to be a vital initiative within the UK fashion industry,” said Edward Enninful OBE, editor-in-chief of British Vogue and chair of the Fund committee. “The shortlisted designers have all shown immense talent and business acumen to date.”

“Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers,” added Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of the British Fashion Council. “It is a very exciting line-up which shows the breadth of talent we have here in the UK. Now more than ever, it is essential for our industry to help and mentor new talent with the potential to become the next global fashion house and I am delighted that the Fund is able to do so for the 11th consecutive year.”

Previous winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund include Christopher Kane, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Molly Goddard, Mother of Pearl, Nicholas Kirkwood, palmer//harding, Peter Pilotto, and Sophia Webster.