Erdem wins first BFC / Vogue Fund

London-based designer Erdem has won the inaugural BFC / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The coveted award comprises a sum of £200,000 and access to director level mentors across the industry, in a bid to nurture London's design talent and assist in developing their businesses.

The Candian-born creative is the first ever recipient of the award, which also shortlisted designers Christopher Kane, Nicholas Kirkwood and Clements Ribeiro.

The BFC will develop a bespoke mentoring programme tailored specifically to assist Erdem Moralioglu’s in achieving his business goals for the next twelve months with the aspiration that the network developed during this year will endure throughout his career as he makes the transition from a developing creative business into a global fashion brand.

Erdem was selected for this award based on the label’s strong design signature and clear vision for the immediate development and growth of his business. Eight designers were shortlisted by a panel of representatives of Fund sponsors. All of those shortlisted were then invited to present their collections and future plans to the judging panel of Fund sponsor representatives and industry experts chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue. All of those shortlisted will have access to support from the mentoring panel either directly or through Marigay McKee, Harrods Director of Fashion and Beauty who will chair the mentoring panel.

Erdem Moralioglu’s eponymous ready-to-wear line was established in 2005 and his gracefully modern clothing has won plaudits for its fusion of sharp tailoring with romanticism and bold, graphic, custom-designed silk prints.

The British Fashion Council has an international reputation for supporting emerging talent through its existing schemes; NEWGEN supported by TOPSHOP and Fashion Forward. The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will aid business growth and create employment opportunities, it is complementary to existing support schemes and will focus on developing profile and opportunities for British designer businesses. The Fund was launched by BFC Chairman Harold Tillman in September 2008. Vogue, headline sponsor, whose May issue is on sale early April will showcase the talents of all eight finalists.

Erdem Moralioglu commented "I am thrilled to be the winner of the BFC Vogue Fashion Fund. It is an honor. The prize will help us to take our business to the next level. It is so integral for us to be showing in London and the support of the BFC and Vogue will allow us to grow our business internationally. It is such exciting time for us."

BFC Chairman, Harold Tillman, commented “Erdem has excellent design credentials, an impressive business plan and creates beautiful collections season after season. I am proud to say that the British Fashion Council’s Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will play a key role in developing Erdem’s already prominent designer business both here in the UK and abroad.”

Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, said "I am very excited by the prospects that the Fund offers not only in terms of finance but in mentoring. In Erdem I feel we have a very worthy winner who already has an international reputation and who has the creativity and application that is needed to become a global business. He makes beautiful clothes that already have a recognisable stamp that is his alone."

Images: Erdem Fall/Winter 2010