Fashion Forward winners at LFW

At the end of last year budding designers Roksanda Ilincic, Richard Nicoll and Jens Laugesen were chosen as recipients of the prestigious Fashion Forward sponsorship award. With London Fashion Week coming up, we'd thought we'd introduce you to the new talents. Sponsored by Westfield London, the Fashion Forward award provides financial support to UK based designers, who are in the early stages of developing their business and have already established a profile at London Fashion Week. The award, consisting of a financial prize, is to be used towards producing an on-schedule catwalk show at London Fashion Week. Previously, the price was won by Giles Deacon, Sinha-Stanic and Jonathan Saunders. Richard Nicoll and Jens Laugesen will be receiving sponsorship for the second time. First-time winner Roksanda Ilincic launched her own label in 2002, and is fast becoming a regular feature on the London Fashion Week schedule.

A romantic aesthetic runs through her designs which are crafted with references to haute couture, featuring special hand-tucks and detailed pleats. Her clever cutting technique is displayed through her hand-tucks and detailed pleats. Her clever cutting technique is displayed through her signature draped satin dresses, which are formed from one piece of fabric and twist around the body. Roksanda’s creations are sold in some of the best internationally renowned stores and boutiques, such as Browns in London, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong and Linda Dresner in New York. She has also just completed designing her first pre-collection with Net-a-Porter.

On receiving the sponsorship, Roksanda said: "I am truly excited to receive the Fashion Forward award. Funding from Westfield London has come at a time when my business is developing fast, so to have strong financial backing is vital for me right now.” Richard Nicoll has been awarded sponsorship for the second consecutive season. The designer launched his label in 2004, and has recently acted as consultant for Thomas Pink, collaborating with the brand to produce a capsule collection. Upon receiving a second season of sponsorship, Richard remarked: "Receiving the Fashion Forward award has been a great asset. As my business grows, the award has come at an important point in the evolution of my label."

Jens Laugesen, who will also receive Fashion Forward sponsorship for the second time, said: “I am really honoured to receive this second season of funding, I am at the stage where this kind of financial support can push the brand to its next crucial level of expansion. Spring Summer 08 was my best sales season to date, and I hope that the forthcoming London Fashion Week show will allow me to continue this trend for the coming season.” Laugesen’s first runway presentation was held in September 2002 as part of Fashion East, and he was a New Generation Award recipient in 2003. Hilary Riva, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council commented: “Fashion Forward supports emerging creative talent at a time when it is often required the most. Previous recipients of the sponsorship continue to successfully grow and establish their business as influential fashion brands.”

Image: Fashion Forward Awards