3rd BFC/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, london

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the shortlist for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2012. The shortlisted designers showcase the best developing Womenswear and Accessories labels in British fashion, with potential to develop into global fashion brands.

The Fund was launched by Harold Tillman Chairman on BFC in September 2008 as a legacy project for the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Those supporting The Fund are Burberry, Clothing at Tesco, Debenhams, Harrods, House of Fraser, HSBC Commercial Bank, Jaeger / Aquascutum, Marks & Spencer, Paul Smith, TONI & GUY, Topshop, Vogue and Westfield Shopping Towns.

In order to be eligible for the scheme, designers must have an established business, be based in the UK, as well as having UK and international stockists and support from key media both UK and internationally.

BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, in its third year, will provide one British based designer with a bespoke, high-level mentoring support programme over a twelve-month period, as well as £200,000. The eight runners-up will also be allocated a mentor through the Fund. The entire judging process and winner announcement will be documented in British Vogue’s March 2012 issue.

This year’s shortlisted designers are Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nicholas Kirkwood, Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll, Roksanda Ilincic and Zoe Jordan.