London, 8th October 2026 - The British Fashion Council (BFC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026/27 BFC Foundation Scholarships. Marking a significant milestone in the growth of its named scholarship programme, the BFC is on track to surpass its strategic ambition of trebling branded scholarships by 2030 as committed to in the BFC 2030 strategy. Alongside existing partners Casely-Hayford, Chanel and Dior, the BFC welcomes Barbour, COS and Saint Laurent as partners for 2026, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of British fashion talent.
Delivered through the BFC Foundation, the scholarships provide vital financial support to students studying BA and MA Fashion Design courses at BFC Campus member universities across the UK. Each scholar also joins the BFC Scholars Programme for the duration of their scholarship, gaining access to industry-led workshops, mentoring, skills development and creative opportunities designed to connect education with professional practice.
Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council: “The growth of the BFC’s scholarships programme is a key part of the BFC’s 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth strategy, widening access to opportunity and helping ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing a career in fashion. The continued expansion of named scholarships, delivered in partnership with leading fashion brands reflects growing industry investment in the next generation of designers. By combining financial support with industry expertise, mentorship and access to professional networks, the programme helps emerging talent develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to build sustainable careers across the British fashion industry.”
Sarah Mower, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent: “It’s always a privilege to chair the BFC scholarship panels and to meet the extraordinary talent coming through. This year, more than ever, the need for scholarships feels urgent. For many students, financial circumstances can mean the difference between being able to attend a fashion course and having to turn that opportunity down. These scholarships provide the support that allows talented young designers to develop their practice and take their first steps into the industry. It is encouraging to see the programme growing and we are grateful to have more leading fashion brands investing in the next generation. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.”
The 2026/27 BFC Foundation Scholarship recipients are:
BFC BARBOUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
This year’s recipient is Toby Brooke (BA). The BFC Barbour Scholarship equips the next generation of designers with practical knowledge and industry insight, supporting talent with a strong understanding of heritage, craftsmanship and storytelling, alongside research, material knowledge and commercial awareness. Through access to Barbour’s expertise, the scholar will gain practical guidance to strengthen their creative practice, develop their product and build a more commercially sustainable business.
Chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, the judging panel comprised: Alex Kessler, Deputy Editor, i-D; Alexandria Walker, Design Manager, Barbour; Katie Rawle, Director of Designer Development, Prizes & Programmes, BFC; Lena de Casparis, Deputy Editor & Culture Director, ELLE UK; Sue Newton, Senior Global Corporate Communications Manager, Barbour.
BFC CHANEL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
This year’s recipient is Sara Mikorey (MA). Now in its seventh year, the BFC Chanel MA Scholarship provides financial support alongside bespoke mentoring from the Chanel team and Amanda Harlech. Throughout their MA studies, scholars benefit from ongoing insight, guidance and industry expertise, helping them develop their creative practice and build the foundations for their future careers.
Chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, the judging panel comprised: Alexander Fury, Fashion Features Director-at-Large, AnOther Magazine; Amanda Harlech, Creative Consultant; Davina Wedderburn, Global Director of Communications, BFC; Jo Allison, Public Relations Director, Chanel; Joshua Ewusie, Fashion Designer and Creative Director, E.W.USIE; Priscilla Royer, Creative Director, Maison Michel (Chanel Millinery Atelier).
BFC COS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
This year’s recipient is Rodrigo Strazds (BA). The BFC COS Scholarship supports emerging designers with financial support and practical industry insight, helping them develop their creative practice and build the skills and confidence to take their work forward. Through the programme, scholars gain access to COS’s expertise and perspective, with support spanning design, sustainability and the commercial realities of building a fashion business.
Chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, the judging panel comprised: Anita Chhiba, Founder, Diet Paratha; Arooj Aftab, Consultant and Social Activist; Karin Gustafsson, Design Director, COS; Katie Rawle, Director of Designer Development, Prizes & Programmes, BFC.
BFC DIOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
This year’s recipients are Luke Saul (MA) and Madeleine Jacob (MA). The BFC Dior Scholarships support two recipients annually, covering tuition fees and contributing to living costs, alongside bespoke mentorship from the Dior design team. Scholars gain first-hand insight into the creative process with tailored guidance to help refine their practice, broaden their industry knowledge and build the foundations for their future careers.
Chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, the judging panel comprised: Alberto Dalla Colletta, VP of Design Menswear & Womenswear, Dior; Caroline Issa, CEO, TANK; Chiara Gargano, Human Resources Director Studio and Workshops, Christian Dior Couture; Isabelle Kountoure, Style Director, HTSI; Kai-Isaiah Jamal, Model and Activist; Katie Rawle, Director of Designer Development, Prizes & Programmes, BFC.
BFC JOE CASELY-HAYFORD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
This year’s recipient is Myra Labé (BA). The BFC Joe Casely-Hayford Scholarship gives Black and mixed-heritage designers the opportunity to invest in and develop their practice, with support to strengthen their creative vision, research and approach to craftsmanship. The scholarship provides access to industry expertise, mentorship and opportunities to build valuable connections, helping recipients develop their work, expand their networks and take the next step in their careers.
Chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, the judging panel comprised: Alice Casely-Hayford, Co-host, An Excellent Fit; Charlie Casely-Hayford, Co-founder, Casely-Hayford; Harris Elliott, Interdisciplinary Artist; Katie Rawle, Director of Designer Development, Prizes & Programmes, BFC; Nina Kong, VP Head of Strategy, Highsnobiety; Tori West, Editor and Founder, BRICKS.
BFC SAINT LAURENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
This year’s recipients are Joseph Richman (MA) and Stephanie Corbyn (MA). The BFC Saint Laurent Scholarship supports emerging designers with the opportunity to develop their practice through direct access to Saint Laurent’s expertise and industry insight. Recipients benefit from guidance across design, tailoring and product development, helping them refine their collections, strengthen their creative and technical skills and build the knowledge and industry connections needed to progress their careers.
Chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, the judging panel comprised: Anthony Vaccarello, Creative Director, Saint Laurent; Katie Rawle, Director of Designer Development, Prizes & Programmes, BFC; Olivia Singer, Creative Consultant; Sophia Neophitou Apostolou, Editor-in-Chief, 10 Magazine; Susie Lau, Fashion Journalist.
With special thanks to the generous partners of the BFC Foundation Scholarship Programme, Barbour, Casely-Hayford, Chanel, COS, Dior and Saint Laurent. Their support helps create access to opportunity and enables the next generation of fashion talent to develop their skills, practices and careers.
For more information about the BFC Scholarships Programme and the scholars, please visit the BFC website.