Launched in 2008, the British Fashion Council and Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is dedicated to supporting the next generation of exceptional talent in fashion, design, and business savvy. This year, the BFCVDFF nominated 11 trailblazing designers, one of whom will be chosen to receive a £200,000 cash prize, in addition to mentoring from some of the brightest minds in the fashion industry.
Nominated for the 2021 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund are Alighieri, ASAI, Bethany Williams, Chopova Lowena, Completedworks, E.L.V. Denim, Halpern, Kwaidan Editions, Olubiyi Thomas, Richard Malone, and Supriya Lele. One enterprising winner will be chosen by a panel led by British Vogue Editor in Chief Edward Enninful and including British Fashion Council Chief Executive Caroline Rush, model Adut Akech, British Vogue Fashion Director Julia Sarr-Jamois, Financial Times Fashion Editor Lauren Indvik, Matchesfashion.com Global Fashion Officer Natalie Kingham, Burberry Chief Marketing Officer Rod Manley, British Vogue Deputy Editor and Fashion Features Director Sarah Harris, and BFC Ambassador For Emerging Talent and Vogue Runway Critic Sarah Mower.
“Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers,” Rush said in a press statement. “Now more than ever it is essential for our industry to come together and support and nurture new emerging talent. This year’s shortlist demonstrates the incredible breadth of talent we have here in the UK and we are very excited to work with Edward and our new Judging Committee Members and Funders, who are joining Burberry and Paul Smith, who have supported the fund since its inception in 2008.”
Previous winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund are Wales Bonner (2019), Molly Goddard (2018), Mother of Pearl and Palmer//Harding (2017), Sophia Webster (2016), Mary Katrantzou (2015), Peter Pilotto (2014), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Christopher Kane (2011), and Erdem (2010). For 2021, the £200,000 cash prize is being generously supported by Burberry, Paul Smith, British Vogue, and Clearpay.
