The winner of the BFC/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2016 is...Sophia Webster

British designer Sophia Webster has been named the winner of this year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, beating competition from the likes of Emilia Wickstead and Osman. As the winner of the 2016 award, Webster will be provided with twelve months of bespoke mentoring to help her take her business to the next level, alongside of a 200,000 pound grand.

Sophia Webster is named the winner of the 2016 BFC/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

"Congratulations to Sophia Webster who has deservingly received this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund," commented Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council. "The judging committee was impressed by her brilliant talent and thorough business acumen; seeing great potential for developing her label into an internationally acclaimed British brand. Sophia has an amazing ability to turn accessories into masterpieces and we are thrilled to support her at an exciting time of growth."

Together with Emilia Wickstead, Mother of Pearl, Osman, and Prism, the designers were shortlisted for the 2016 prize and invited to The Shard to present their collections and five year business plans to the Fund judging committee, which is made up of representatives from supportors of the Fund and industry experts.

"Sophia Webster is a great winner for this year's award," added Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in a statement. "The brand encapsulates all the originality and creativity that British fashion is known for while Sophia and her team have pursued a clear vision with drive and professionalism."

Currently in its seventh year, the fund is a legacy project from the BFC's 25th anniversary celebrations.