BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund unveils shortlist for 2016
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Designers Christopher Raeburn, Craig Green, Sibling, Lou Dalton and Astrid Andersen have been selected by the British Fashion Council (BFC) to compete for the annual BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund 2016.
It is the second time that Sibling, Lou Dalton and Astrid Andersen have been shortlisted for the fund, and the third time for Christopher Raeburn. The following designers stand the chance of winning a 150,000 pound grant, which will give their businesses the needed infrastructure to take them to the next level as well as a 12 month mentoring support programme and 50,000 pound worth of kind services.
"The 2016 shortlist is an outstanding example of the talent in the UK’s menswear market," said Dylan Jones, OBE on the shortlist. "It is a great example of the variety and spread of designers that are working here in London. Working with Vertu and the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund panel is an opportunity to project these brands to the next stage and every one of them has the ability to win the biggest prize in menswear."
BFC/GQ announce shortlist for 2016 Designer Menswear Fund
Over the following two weeks the shortlisted designers have been asked to participate in a mentoring programme created by the BFC, during which industry experts will offer guidance on a range of topics including branding, leadership, e-tail, commercial retail, digital innovation and wholesale. Vertu, one of the partners for the fund will host its own mentoring day at the Interchange Camden.
At the end of the month, designers will be asked to submit a revised business plan to the judging panel, with the winner of the annual fund being announce on May 18, 2016. "The selection process seems to get harder as each year passes, as the designers continue to raise the bar, not just with their creative abilities but also with their commercial acumen," noted Gordon Watson, CEO of Vertu. "The shortlisting and mentoring process is never anything less than inspiring and it is a delight to spend time with each of the designers."
The fund aims to support menswear businesses which have been trading for over two years, with both UK and international stockists. Currently in its third year, Designer Menswear Fund selected the shortlisted designers as each one is said to have the potential to develop into a global designer brand and is ready to receive the level of support offered by the BFC/GQ Fund.
"As the menswear industry continues to grow in size and reputation this year’s shortlist shows the diversity and the talent of London’s menswear designers," said Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the BFC, "As well as sheer creativity these designers also have impressive business strategies and the potential to be Britain’s next big menswear brands."
Photo: British Fashion Council