Applications open for 2019 BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund
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The British Fashion Council has opened applications for its 2019 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, which aims to discover new talent and accelerate their growth over a 12-month period through mentoring and a cash prize of 200,000 pounds.
The fund, now in its eleventh year, will be awarded to one winner who will receive financing to put towards a full time or consultant team member to “bring new knowledge to their designer business,” to advise on areas such as accountancy, merchandising, business strategy, international growth, retail and e-commerce.
In addition, the winner along with all shortlisted designers will receive a full mentoring programme through the BFC’s business support team, with access to funders and industry experts.
Caroline Rush, chief executive of British Fashion Council, said in a statement: “It is incredible to see the work of the applicants year after year, demonstrating the depth and breadth of the talent we have in the UK.
“The Fund provides a huge opportunity for both the shortlisted designers and the winner to gain invaluable knowledge and experience from our expert mentors and incredible monetary investment to grow and develop their brand on a global stage.”
Deadline for the 2019 fund is February 7 and applicants need to have been in business for over three years, based in the UK and their collection should consist of womenswear and/or womenswear accessories. They should also have both UK and international stockists and should be able to demonstrate support from media.
Guidelines for the application process states that brands need to “think strategically about the Fund’s core objective of business growth” as they should be able to demonstrate to the judging panel a clear vision on how fund will contribute to the growth of their business.
The 2018 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund was won by Molly Goddard and previous winners have included, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Mother of Pearl, Palmer//Harding, Peter Pilotto, and Sophia Webster.