The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the shortlisted designers for the BFC/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2022 on Tuesday.
The eight shortlisted designers include Richard Malone, Richard Quinn, Tove, Chopova Lowena, Completedworks, ELV Denim, Neous and Nicholas Daley. In 2021 the prize was awarded to Bethany Williams, the first prize in 2010 went to Erdem.
The jury is made up of well-known industry experts and is chaired by British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful. Other members include BFC Managing Director Caroline Rush, Matchesfashion CCO Elizabeth von der Goltz, Lauren Indvik, Fashion Editor at the Financial Times and Sarah Mower, Vogue.com Chief Critic.
The fund supports fashion companies
Established in 2008, the BFC Vogue Fashion Fund aims to encourage creativity in businesses through a bespoke mentoring program and a £200,000 prize. The fund is supported by British Vogue, Burberry, Clearplay, Paul Smith and Rodial.
Edward Enninful, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director of Vogue and Chair of the Funds Committee, said: “The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is an important initiative supporting emerging talent in the UK fashion industry. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who reflect the outstanding creative talent in the UK.”
Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, commented: “This year’s selection shows the incredible range of talent we have here in the UK. We very much look forward to working with Edward and our new judges and grantees.”
The fund’s selection criteria include design excellence and strong business acumen, the BFC said in a statement. Designers should also integrate the three pillars of the Institute of Positive Fashion into their collections: environment, people and community, and craftsmanship.
The BFC Vogue Fashion Fund is part of the BFC Foundation, which brings together all of BFC’s charitable initiatives under one roof and supports the future growth and success of the UK fashion industry through a three-pronged focus on education, financial grants and business support.
In the last financial year, the BFC raised £1.7million for the BFC Foundation’s talent development initiatives, supporting 34 designers and a number of students.
The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the fund’s jury in March. The final results will be announced in May.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Karenita Haalck