BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund reveals shortlist

Designers Astrid Andersen, Christopher Raeburn, E.Tautz, Matthew Miller and Sibling have all been shortlisted for the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund 2015, the British Fashion Council announced Thursday.

Selected by a judging panel, the shortlisted designers were chosen as they are in a “strong position” to develop into a global designer brand, the BFC confirmed, and are “ready” for the level of support the Fund offers. Each designer will now participate in a mentoring program developed by the BFC over the next month, where industry experts will provide guidance on topics including branding, leadership, retail, e-tail and wholesale and digital innovation.

The winner will be announced on May 12, following a business pitch from the shortlisted designers, and will receive 150,000 pounds to elevate them to the next stage in their business, as well as 50,000 pounds value in kind services and a 12 month mentoring support programme.

Christopher Raeburn and Sibling shortlisted for BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund

Dylan Jones OBE, editor of British GQ and chair of London Collections: Men said: “Over the last year the global menswear market has grown faster than womenswear showing that there has never been a more important time to drive support for accomplished British designer menswear businesses.

“The opportunities surrounding menswear are still underexploited, which is why we at GQ thought it was so important to launch this menswear fund. It is fantastic to be working with Vertu and the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund panel to lead the charge when it comes to high level mentoring and support. With this year’s outstanding shortlist of talented designers it’ll be hard to predict the winner - each of them is in good shape to scoop fashion’s biggest menswear prize.”

Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, added: “The standard of applications this season was extremely high and really proves how far the shortlisted designers have come whilst demonstrating the strength and growth of the British menswear industry. We look forward to working with the designers over the coming months across mentoring sessions and helping them to further develop their brands.”

Image: British Fashion Council