BFC and Vogue announce shortlist for fund

Designers Angel Jackson, Christopher Kane, Clements Ribeiro, E.Tautz, Erdem, Marios Schwab, Nicholas Kirkwood and Richard Nicoll have been named for the inaugural BFC / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The Fund aims to assist talented British designers with the potential for commercial growth to start making the transition from a developing creative business to a global fashion brand.

In September 2008, Harold Tillman, Chairman British Fashion Council (BFC), launched the Fund in September 2008 as a legacy project for the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The Fund will provide one British based designer with £200,000 and mentoring support.

In order to be eligible for the scheme, designers must have an established business. They must also be UK based, as well as having UK and international stockists and support from key media both UK and internationally. The winner will demonstrate a clear vision for their business and how The Fund will contribute to their growth with a focus on creating an international brand.

Harold Tillman will chair the Fund. Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, will chair the judging panel and British Vogue will document the judging process and announce the winner in its May 2010 issue. Marigay McKee, Fashion and Beauty Director at Harrods, will chair a committee of industry mentors who will play an active role in supporting the winners. Mentors will be allocated once a winner has been selected in order to offer relevant support to achieve the goals set out by the individual business.

Those supporting The Fund include Arcadia Group, Burberry, Condé Nast, Debenhams, Harrods, House of Fraser, HSBC Commercial Bank, Jaeger / Aquascutum, Marks & Spencer, Paul Smith, Tesco Clothing, Toni&Guy and Westfield Shopping Towns. Other schemes supported by the BFC are NewGen supported by Topshop and Fashion Forward supported by Coutts & Co.

Image: Christopher Kane SS10