British Fashion Council announces winners of Fashion Forward

05 Dec '08

3 min read

In 2006, the BFC added to its New Gen scheme by launching a major new designer sponsorship called Fashion Forward. The goal of the scheme is to ease the transition from emerging talent to established designer with Fashion Forward's dedicated programme of support over two seasons. This season, Fashion Forward will be partly supported by the London Development Agency (LDA).

Fashion Forward recipients receive cash sponsorship each season to go towards production of a catwalk show on schedule at LFW. Alongside this significant financial award they will also receive high level business mentoring.

Support will be given by an established team of fashion industry experts and professionals in areas such as business planning, marketing, sourcing, production, export and legal. By giving such in-depth advice where it is most required, the aim is to help the designers consolidate their businesses, growing them internationally to the next level.

This prestigious sponsorship is awarded to the most exemplary, innovative womenswear designers. Award recipients are selected by a panel of highly-regarded industry experts based on the exceptional talent they have already demonstrated in fashion design and their potential for future distinction in the fashion industry.

Autumn/winter 2009 winners are:
Christopher Kane:
In 2006, Christopher Kane launched his own label with his sister Tammy (collaborator and business partner) and has gone on to build his label into a major player in the high-fashion world.

On receiving the sponsorship, Christopher said "I am delighted to have been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship by the British Fashion Council at what will be my sixth catwalk show at London Fashion Week... It has provided invaluable assistance in terms of growing and raising the profile of the Christopher Kane label and establishing contacts within the industry and press, both national and international."

Erdem:
Erdem was launched in 2005 by Erdem Moralioglu and has since won plaudits for its signature look fusing sharp, forward tailoring with romanticism and bold graphic custom-designed silk prints.

Erdem said "We are thrilled about winning Fashion Forward sponsorship! Showing in London is paramount to us as a brand, the sponsorship will not only allow us to show but also to grow as a company."

Marios Schwab:
Marios Schwab has been credited with leading the body-conscious fashion movement with his figure hugging feminine dresses since his label launched in 2005. Marios commented "I am very excited about winning this award and am looking forward to the next collection. This award, to me, means recognition - both in a business sense as well as a creative one."

British Fashion Council

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