Nominees BFA 2008

The best talent of British fashion is shortlisted for the 2008 British Fashion Awards. Supported by Swarvoski, the Awards recognise the most promising designers who collectively play a key role in establishing the UK as a creative and commercial force in the industry.The ten categories include Designer of the Year for the leading British designer of couture, ready-to-wear, knitwear or accessories and who has directed the shape of fashion in both the UK and internationally. The event will also celebrate one designer who throughout their career has made an impact on the industry internationally with the BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. The nominations are selected by key players within the industry and relevant panels of leading media and buyers select the winners.

This year Swarovski is sponsoring two awards including the Emerging Talent Award for Ready to Wear and the Emerging Talent Award for Accessories. These awards will recognise and financially reward the UK’s most exciting new designers. The judging panel will include Nadja Swarovski, vice president of international communications for Swarovski, Lucy Yeomans, editor of Harper’s Bazaar, supermodel Claudia Schiffer, i-D contributor Lauren Cochrane and Yasmin Sewell, buyer Liberty.

Among the nominees for 2008 are model Lily Donaldson, designer brand Agent Provocateur, Tim Walker for the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, menswear designer Christopher Bailey for Burberry, and accessory designer Lara Bohinc. The shortlisted for the most innovative and directional designers are Danielle Scutt, Louise Goldin, Felder Felder, and Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Anna Vince for emerging talent, both sponsored by Swarovski.

Hilary Riva, Chief Executive of the BFC commented: “The Awards celebrate the extraordinary talent within the British fashion industry as highlighted in this year’s nominees list. I would like to thank Swarovski for their support of the British Fashion Awards 2008 and for their sponsorship of the ‘Emerging Talent Awards’, which will help to support two of our newer talents as they establish their careers and businesses.”

Image: Lilly Allen at BFA 2007