The winner of this year’s BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is Nicholas Kirkwood.
The Award, which is now in its fourth year, was established to further enhance the reputation of London’s rising stars and assist in the development of their businesses. It is comprised of £200,000 and access to key senior level mentors across the UK fashion industry.The choice to award Nicholas was based on his and business partner Christopher Suarez’s extremely professional 3 year plan and presentation at interview. Nicholas has demonstrated exceptional skill in building a modern, individual and recognisable accessories line and was very clear on his business growth strategy and the key challenges he would like to address with the support of the Fund and its advisors.
The BFC will develop a bespoke mentoring programme tailored specifically to assist Nicholas to achieve his business goals for the next 18 months, with the aspiration that the network developed during this mentoring year will endure throughout his career as he makes the transition from a developing creative business into a global fashion brand.
All of the shortlisted designers, including Emilia Wickstead, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic and Peter Pilotto, will be invited to participate in the Fashion Trust mentoring programme for a 24 month period.
The British Fashion Council would like to thank those supporting the Fund: Burberry, Clothing at Tesco, Debenhams, Harrods, LF Europe, Marks & Spencer, Paul Smith, TOPSHOP and VOGUE.