Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Mother of Pearl, Osman and Sophia Webster have been selected for the 2015 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

The news gives the designers a huge boost of confidence ahead of their Autumn/Winter 2015 runway shows at London Fashion Week, which kicks off on February 20.

Last year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award went to Peter Pilotto. The previous winners of British Fashion's prestigious prize are Erdem (2010), Christopher Kane (2011), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013).

Shortlisted by the Fund Judging Committee, which this year includes Naomi Campbell and the wife of the British Prime Minister, Samantha Cameron, the nominees were chosen for their potential to develop into a global designer brand and represent the best of London's thriving fashion talent.

Designers will have to sit tight until Tuesday, March 24 to find out if they have won the sixth BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The lucky winner's prize will include a bespoke, high level mentoring support program over a 12-month period, as well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business.

Chair of the Fund Committee, Alexandra Shulman says: "It was exciting to have such a diverse shortlist to consider, all of whom have carved out a distinctive niche for themselves. I congratulate all of them for reaching this stage in a highly competitive arena."

To discover the 2015 BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund nominees, please visit the London Fashion Week website.

 

(Source: AFP Relaxnews; Photos and video: BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund)

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