BFC reveals NewGen Men winners

Following the news that Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen will be showcasing their menswear collections at London Collections: Men in January, the British Fashion Council has announced eight designers that will receive sponsorship as part of

the NewGen Men programme sponsored by Topman.

Chosen by a committee, the catwalk sponsorship has been awarded to four recipients, the highest number of designers to receive this level of sponsorship since the initiative began. For autumn/winter 2013, designer labels Christopher Raeburn and Sibling will be joined for the first time by East End designer Lee Roach and streetwear designer Shaun Samson.

As well as catwalk sponsorship, the NewGen Men scheme also awarding presentation sponsorship to designers Martine Rose and Matthew Miller, while exhibition sponsorship goes to Bunney and William Richard Green, who joins the line-up for the first time.

As well as sponsorship and showcasing opportunities, the initiative offers its recipients tailored business and mentoring support, with a view to increasing the success of their business commercially and building relationships with key press and buyers, and each will showcase during London Collections: Men, which will take place January 7-9, 2013.

Caroline Rush, CEO British Fashion Council, said: “Following the success of the inaugural London Collections: Men, we’re delighted to be announcing eight designers who’ll be receiving support at the next showcase in January.

“The diversity of London’s menswear is testament to the creativity and innovation demonstrated by these designers, with thanks going to Topman for their on-going support of emerging talent and the NewGen Men initiative.”

Tim Blanks, Contributing Editor, Style.com and a member of the British Fashion Council's Menswear Committee, added: “Each of these names brings a very distinct aesthetic to mind, all radically different. But if I had to tease out a common thread, I'd say it was unconventionality.
 
“I know the very idea is a London cliché, but when you see the fully realised way that NewGen's winners challenge the ordinary, the cliché becomes something impressively intelligent and vital.”

Image: Christopher Raeburn SS13