We are thrilled to announce the shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2024 (BFC/VDFF).
Ahluwalia | Chopova Lowena | Clio Peppiatt | KNWLS | NENSI DOJAKA | Stefan Cooke
Established in 2008, the BFC/VDFF celebrates exceptional talent and creativity and empowers business growth through bespoke high-level mentoring and professional services. BFC/VDFF is part of the BFC Foundation which brings all the BFC’s charitable initiatives under one umbrella supporting the future growth and success of the British fashion industry. The BFC/VDFF awards designer businesses with a cash prize of £150,000 to support their contribution to the British and global fashion ecosystem. 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 Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue. The panel comprises of experts from across the fashion industry: Alexa Chung, Designer, Model, Author; Harry Lambert, Stylist; Ib Kamara, Editor in Chief, Dazed and Art and Image Director, Off-White; Laura Ingham, Deputy Director, Global Fashion Network, British Vogue; Rod Manley, Chief Marketing Officer, Burberry; Sally Britton, Partner (Intellectual Property, Co-head of Retail), Mishcon de Reya; Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic Vogue.com and BFC Ambassador and Susie Lau, Fashion Editor.
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive British Fashion Council, commented: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent in the UK. Heading into London Fashion Week and its 40th anniversary, we will celebrate London’s creative community and position as a global cultural hub, and each of these brands exemplify the unbridled creativity and individuality that the UK is known for. We are incredibly grateful to our funders for their continued support.”
Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content of British Vogue, commented: “It’s important that we do not just pay lip service to the idea of supporting emerging talent in our industry; I’m proud that through this fund we are able to offer tangible financial support which can help a new wave of designers put themselves on the map. I look forward to not only seeing the incredible work of these designers, but also getting to know them through the mentoring and development scheme which is built into our fund. It’s a real honour to be part of this very exciting work.”
EDITOR’S 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.
BFC/VDFF 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.
Previous winners of the BFC/VDFF include 16Arlington (2023), 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.