The British Fashion Council (BFC) announces today that Thomas Crisp from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication is the first menswear focused graduate to be awarded the BFC MA Scholarship. Created in 1998 and funded by the Princess of Wales Charitable Trust, the scholarship scheme aims to provide support to BA Graduates who require financial help. The BFC believes education in the UK is the best in the world and supporting young designers is imperative to maintaining London’s position as the birthplace of talent.
Members of the BFC Colleges Council are invited to nominate final year BA students who have been offered a place on the MA Fashion Design course to receive the scholarship. These students then formally apply, submitting their portfolio, a completed form, a reference from their Head of Course, as well as their offer letter. Students are shortlisted based on talent and need and invited to an interview with the scholarship panel which included Anne Tyrrell, Chair of the BFC Colleges Council; Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the BFC; Dolly Jones, Editor of Vogue Online; Averyl Oates, Buying Director of Harvey Nicholas and Stephen Ayres, Menswear Buying Manager of Liberty.
This year’s winner, who achieved a First in his BA (Hons) Fashion Menswear course at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, said “The BFC MA Scholarship award is really amazing and I'm extremely happy. Without this funding from the British Fashion Council, I would not have the opportunity to study at MA level and develop my designs”. Thomas will undertake his MA Fashion Menswear course at the Royal College of Art.
Anne Tyrrell added, “There was an incredible line up of graduates applying for the Scholarship award this year. Thomas was clearly the strongest candidate and the panel believed he would really benefit and make good use from a further two year MA course.
Previous winners of the scholarship include Erdem who went on to win the inaugural BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund Award and has gone on to become a world star and designer brand”.
Caroline Rush commented, “The BFC Colleges Council seeks to create closer links between the UK’s top fashion colleges and the industry through a programme of initiatives including the MA Scholarship, an annual Graduate Preview Day and industry competitions. All shortlisted students presented a strong case for support, however Thomas stood out from the crowd.”
www.britishfashioncouncil.com/mascholarship