BFC/Vogue announces shortlist for Designer Fashion Fund 2016

The British Fashion Council, together with Vogue, have announced the shortlist for the Designer Fashion Fund - an annual competition which offers one designer a bespoke mentoring support programme as well as a 200,000 pound grant to them take their business to the next level.

The nominated designers for 2016 are: Emilia Wickstead, Mother of Pearl, Osman, Prism and Sophia Webster.

Selected by the Fund Judging Committee, each designer has been chosen for their potential to continue developing their brand into a global label. "This is an inspiring shortlist because of its diversity," said Alexandra Shulman OBE, editor for British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee. "It's a great representation of the spread of British Fashion designers and all the contenders have huge strengths to their creative visions."

In honour of the shortlist nominations, luxury department store Harrods has dedicated one of its window to the designs from the five nominees. The store window will showcase the designers work from January 19 for two weeks.

"We have been impressed by this year's shortlist. These brands represent the best of London's fashion talent as well as showing impressive business acumen," added Caroline Rush CBE, Chief executive of the British Fashion Council. "These designers all have potential to become Britain's next generation of global fashion brands."

In addition to showcasing the nominees at Harrods, the BFC has developed an exclusive online film series, named Designer Fashion Fund, which follows the application process, the designers journey as well as interviews with the judging panel. The winner of the 2016 Designer Fashion Fund will be announced on March 22, 2016.

Previous winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund include renowned designers Edrem, Mary Katrantzou, Christopher Kane and Nicholas Kirkwood.