BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2024 names shortlisted labels

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced a shortlist of six designers for this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, with some of the UK’s key emerging labels in the running.

They are Ahluwalia, Chopova Lowena, Clio Peppiatt, KNWLS, Nensi Dojaka and Stefan Cooke. The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund judging panel with the winner(s) named in May. They will receive a cash prize of £150,000 to support their contribution to the British and global fashion ecosystem. The Fund is supported by British Vogue, Burberry and Paul Smith.

This year’s judging panel is chaired by Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council and Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue. 

The panel comprises Laura Ingham, Deputy Director, Global Fashion Network, British Vogue; Rod Manley, Chief Marketing Officer, Burberry; Sally Britton, Partner (Intellectual Property, Co-head of Retail), Mishcon de Reya; Sarah Mower MBE, Critic at Vogue, the BFC’s Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Chair of the BFC NEWGEN Committee; and Susie Lau, Fashion Editor.

Rush said: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent in the UK. Heading into London Fashion Week and its 40th anniversary, we will celebrate London’s creative community and position as a global cultural hub, and each of these brands exemplify the unbridled creativity and individuality that the UK is known for. We are incredibly grateful to our funders for their continued support.”

Nnadi added: “It’s important that we do not just pay lip service to the idea of supporting emerging talent in our industry. I’m proud that through this fund we are able to offer tangible financial support which can help a new wave of designers put themselves on the map. I look forward to not only seeing the incredible work of these designers, but also getting to know them through the mentoring and development scheme which is built into our fund.”

Previous winners include 16Arlington (2023), Richard Quinn (2022), Bethany Williams (2021), Wales Bonner (2019), Molly Goddard (2018), Mother of Pearl and Palmer/Harding (2017), Sophia Webster (2016), Mary Katrantzou (2015), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010).