We are delighted to announce the shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2023 (BFCVDFF).
16Arlington | A.W.A.K.E. MODE | Ahluwalia | Alighieri
Completedworks | PĪFERI | Supriya Lele
Established in 2008, the BFC/VDFF celebrates exceptional talent and creativity and empowers business growth through bespoke high-level mentoring and professional services. The Fund receives the generous support of British Vogue, Burberry and Paul Smith.
This year’s judging panel is chaired by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council and Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director, Vogue. The panel comprises of experts from across the fashion industry: Alexa Chung, Designer, model, author; Lauren Indvik, Fashion Editor, Financial Times; Munroe Bergdorf, Model, Presenter, Activist; Rod Manley, Chief Marketing Officer, Burberry; Sarah Harris, Deputy Editor and Fashion Features Director, British Vogue; Sarah Mower MBE, vogue.com & BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent.
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive British Fashion Council, commented: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers. We were amazed by the incredible breadth of talent each of the designers displayed. Coming out of London Fashion Week, London has reaffirmed itself as the city for creativity and innovation and each of these brands so perfectly exemplifies that talent and fighting spirit that the UK is known for. We are incredibly grateful to our funders for allowing us to continue to secure the pipeline of creative talent here in the UK.”
Narmina Marandi and Tania Fares, Co-Chairs of The BFC Foundation, commented: “The continued growth of the BFC Foundation and the support of initiatives like BFC/VDFF comes at a very critical time for our designers, who face one of their toughest years to date in propelling their businesses forward. With the generosity and constant cheerleading from our Global Patron Programme, we hope to support designers through 2023 with the same courage and momentum that we did through BREXIT and Covid. Seeing such an exciting and vibrant shortlist is proof that our British designers are still at the centre of global creativity, we need to continue to harness and support this talent for years to come."
Alexa Chung, Designer, model and author commented: “It is an honour to be able to lend my support to this initiative. There are so many important designers in this year’s running and it is clearly more vital than ever to nourish creatives with the financial support and meaningful business mentorship that this fund provides. Witnessing how so many of them are focused on ensuring fashion can enjoy a future in tandem with sustainability is particularly exciting.”
EDITORS NOTES
The Fund criteria reflect the values of excellence in design and strong business acumen. The applicants’ collections should consist primarily of womenswear and/or womenswear accessories. All gender collections are also eligible. The application process also encourages brands to think strategically about the three pillars of the Institute of Positive Fashion (Environment, People, and Community & Craftsmanship) and the IPF Minimum Standards. The Fund provides the winner with a cash prize to support their growth and contribution to the British and global fashion ecosystem, alongside pro-bono bespoke high-level business mentoring and professional services. The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund Judging panel with the winner/s announced in May.
BFCVDFF is part of the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152) which brings all the BFC’s charitable initiatives under one umbrella supporting the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on three areas: Education, Grant-Giving and Business Mentoring. The BFC Foundation further enhances the UK’s position as the best place to study, start and develop a fashion business. The charity activates four support initiatives and allocates several scholarships each year to students, aiming to strengthen those leading the way in terms of creativity, positive business growth, environmental and community impact as well as to increase the diversity of the talent pool.
In 2021/22, the BFC raised £1.3 million for the BFC Foundation and its talent support initiatives and supported 35 designers and a number of students through mentoring and financial support grants.
Previous winners of the BFCVDFF include Richard Quinn (2022), Bethany Williams (2021), WALES BONNER (2019), Molly Goddard (2018), Mother of Pearl & palmer//harding (2017), Sophia Webster (2016), Mary Katrantzou (2015), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010).
With thanks to Mishcon de Reya for their pro-bono legal services, and the BFC Fashion Business Network and one-to-one mentors.