The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced that the winner of its BFC MA Scholarship scheme is Nabil El-Nayal. The scheme provides funding for fees for MA Fashion Design courses and is part funded by the London Development Agency. Any final year fashion students from colleges that are members of the BFC’s Colleges Council may apply. Nabil will take up his place on the ‘Fashion Womenswear’ MA at the Royal College of Art (RCA), London in September. A shortlist of applicants were invited to attend an interview with a panel of industry insiders including Anne Tyrrell, BFC Colleges Council Chair, Christopher Bailey, Creative Director at Burberry, Alison Edmond, Fashion Director Harper's Bazaar and Simon Ward, Head of Operations BFC.
Nabil recently finished his BA (Hons) Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University and greatly impressed Christopher Bailey in his interview. Christopher commented “There was a beautiful sense of lightness in Nabil’s work that came through in his portfolio. His compassion and energy was inspiring and he has a natural charm.”
Anne Tyrrell, head of the BFC Colleges Council said "This scholarship is a welcome addition to the BFC's support for emerging design talent in the UK. It is a long time since I have seen such a talented and beautiful portfolio as Nabil's
and look forward to seeing his work progress through one of the most respected MA courses in the world."
Alison Edmond added “Nabil’s work has complete conviction”. Sarah Ebanja, Deputy Chief Executive at the London Development Agency, said "The scholarship programme aims to make the most of the wealth of talent coming out of the UK's fashion colleges. The London Development Agency supports the British Fashion Council's efforts to nurture this creative talent to generate successful business ideas. London has long been at the forefront of fashion and holds a worldwide reputation for encouraging cutting edge talent. By investing in the stars of the future now, it will ensure that London's status continues to grow and thrive."
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Notes to Editors
The London Development Agency (LDA) works to improve the quality of life forall Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth. The LDA awarded the British Fashion Council a three-year funding package worth £4.2million in
December 2007. As part of the grant agreement the British Fashion Council will provide business support to London's emerging designers and raise the profile of London Fashion Week to international markets.
The BFC Colleges Council seeks to create closer links between the UK’s top fashion colleges and the industry through a variety of initiatives including an annual Open Day and competitions.
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