Now in its sixth year, the British Fashion Council’s (BFC) Fashion Forward initiative sponsored by eBay Fashion and supported by the Mayor of London recognises and promotes the UK fashion industry’s outstanding design talent.
This season, first time recipients of the award Christopher Raeburn and Sibling join Lou Dalton and will receive tailored business support provided by the BFC, in addition to a financial award to assist in showing either a catwalk show or presentation at London Collections: Men in June.
Dedicated Fashion Forward sponsorship for menswear designers began in May 2012 in recognition of London’s flourishing menswear industry and to support the sustained growth of emerging men’s fashion talent. Previously, support for menswear designers was shared with womenswear designers and showcased on the final day of London Fashion Week.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see such a talented trio of designers given the support and exposure their work deserves and with all eyes on London this June, there’s no better showcasing platform for their level of business” - Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council
Melanie Smallwood, Head of eBay Fashion, commented:
“It’s an exciting time for menswear. The Fashion Forward initiative aims to provide the stepping stone making creative talent commercially viable. I look forward to seeing how the recipients of LC:M’s Fashion Forward businesses grow and develop as a result of this support”.
Christopher Raeburn commented:
“Fashion Forward is an invaluable initiative for us, a positive recognition of the business we have established over the past five years. We’re proud of the distribution and growth we’ve achieved so far and this support will help boost us onwards to hopefully ever greater things.”
Lou Dalton commented:
"Having been fortunate enough to win the Fashion Forward prize has significantly supported the development of the Lou Dalton brand. The collection has grown in size and an increase in sales this season has led to added financial pressure. The support from Fashion Forward has played a huge part in dealing with these bursts of growth, from a production viewpoint and constructive manor."
Cozette McCreery, designer of Sibling, commented:
“Sibling is really thrilled to have been awarded the Fashion Forward bursary for the menswear line covering the 2014 seasons. With the support of the BFC and the Fashion Forward team they are hell-bent on doing exactly what it says on the tin: pushing the line Forward”.
To find out more about Fashion Forward, visit
www.britishfashioncouncil.com/fashionforwardmen
The BFC Fashion Forward panel comprises: Caroline Rush, British Fashion Council (Chair); Anna Orsini, British Fashion Council; Barbara Grispini, British Fashion Council; Charlie Porter, Charlieporter.net; Damien Paul, Matchesfashion.com; David Watts, British Fashion Council; Gordon Richardson, Topman; Jason Griffiths, Topman; Laura Hinson, British Fashion Council; Robbie Spencer, Dazed & Confused; Robert Johnston, GQ; Sam Lobhan, Mr Porter; Tim Blanks, Style.com
For press enquiries please contact:
Will Rowley, British Fashion Council
tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1968
will.rowley@britishfashioncouncil.com
Image: Lou Dalton at London Collections: Men, January 2013