BFC announce Fashion Forward winners

The British Fashion Council on Tuesday announced the winners of its Fashion Forward initiative. Roksanda Illincik, Richard Nicholl and Jens Laugesen are the designers set to receive the award enabling them to show their collections on the London catwalks during February’s Autumn/Winter 08  fashion week. The BFC Fashion Forward initiative was first introduced at London Fashion Week September 2006, supporting designers who have previously received New Generation funding or are at a similar stage of business development. Whilst the BFC aspires to consider all applications, it is unlikely that companies whose turnover is less than £100,000 or greater than £1,000,000 get short listed.

Selected applicants are interviewed by a selection panel consisting of the BFC, a representative from Westfield London plus fashion journalists and buyers. Westfield London is the inaugural sponsor of BFC Fashion Forward and has committed to four seasons of sponsorship. Westfield London, located just 3 miles from Oxford Street is set to become one of the capital's best loved retail and leisure destinations when it opens at the end of 2008. Over 265 speciality stores will accommodate some of the world's finest brands, beneath a spectacular undulating glass roof. A specially created retail village will feature premium retailers in a luxurious environment

February’s London Fashion Week is set to be a major event, with Vivienne Westwood returning to the British catwalks for the first time in nine years. The eponymous designer will be showcasing her Red label on schedule for the first time. Westwood shows her Gold label in Paris.

Image: Richard Nicoll