The British Fashion Council (BFC) and ELLE magazine today announce the
inaugural winners of the BFC / ELLE
Talent Launch Pad 2010. Six new designer businesses, Clemency London,
David
Longshaw, Eudon
Choi, Holly
Fulton, Irwin &
Jordan and Yunus &
Eliza, have been selected for this new initiative to develop a
British retail base with professional support to develop long term
business success.
The winners of the BFC / ELLE Talent Launch Pad impressed the selection
panel with their unique collections, demonstrating a diversity and
freshness that would have a broad British appeal. Designers eligible to
apply for the scheme were in their first two years in business.
The selection committee comprised leading British independent retailers,
brand development experts and fashion influencers. The panel members
were Lorraine Candy, editor ELLE, Donna Wallace, Accessories Editor
ELLE, Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, Emma Jones from
Mirabelle Edgedale, Helena Christensen model and photographer, designer
Sara Berman, stylist Sam Ranger and partner retailers Anna Park from
ANNA, Helene Rapaport from Bernards of Esher, Julia Jaconelli from The
Courtyard, Justine Mills from Cricket, Oscar Pinto-Hervia from Hervia
Bazaar, and Julia Aitken from Stanwells.
All retail partners have commited to placing orders for at least one of
the shortlisted designers for two seasons and to host in-store events to
raise the profile of the designers to their regional audiences.
The six designers will have access to ELLE magazine’s top stylists,
photographers and creative directors to devise marketing materials
including images and films. ELLE UK will also give the scheme extensive
editorial and promotional support.
Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE commented “With the spotlight
shining on London Fashion Week we must nurture the young, emerging
talent that underpins the industry - and capitalise on its new found
professionalism. There is a realisation among new British designers
that as well as creative skill, business acumen is essential. We found
six fantastic new names we think have potential to thrive - and it’s now
up to us to help take them to the next level; to use our expertise to
get their clothes on the rails and into shoppers’ hands. ELLE is
delighted to be working with the BFC on this unique, mentoring project
to bring a new injection of talent straight to the shops, sitting
alongside hugely successful international brands.”
The Talent Launch Pad was developed as a legacy initiative of the
British Fashion Council’s 25th anniversary to assist new designer
businesses to develop a solid British market, have access to retail
mentors and through this raise their profile regionally and nationally
through editorial and professional marketing material.
Helene Rapaport, from the retail store Bernards of Esher, commented “We
are delighted to promote young, fresh and exciting new talent in our
store to give them the opportunity to sit with established brands,
providing them with a platform for their collections to be seen.”
Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, said “The new launch
pad will give these young designers full access to the top boutiques
whilst providing them with expert business advice. The competition was
extremely impressive; however the chosen winners were clearly the
strongest showing originality and a solid business plan. The panel
believed they would benefit greatly from the support of this new
initiative.”