Vogue and BFC launch new designer initiative

Written by Dana Karlson
04.11.2009

London Fashion Week officially has another reason to celebrate this year in addition to its 25 years in action, because British Vogue and the British Fashion Council have teamed up to support emerging fashion designers.  The project will gift one UK-based designer with £200,000 to put towards establishing his/ her career in the international fashion arena.  Thank you, in advance.  New talent, new faces is what fashion is all about, and London especially thrives on this influx of creativity. Bravo to all involved.

According to the Telegraph, this concept was based on American Vogue’s partnership with the Council of Fashion designers of America, which launched in 2003 and has bolstered the development of Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang and my personal favourite (read: obsession) Rodarte.  Just think of who’s going to come out of London next?  Topshop’s NewGen project supported a bevy of must-watch designers including Meadham Kirchhoff (photo above is from their S/S 10 collection at LFW- yes, this was a little game to keep you guessing…), Peter Pilotto (genius of prints), and Mark Fast (knit master) to name a few.

Apparently applicants must already have international stockists and a well-known media reputation–meaning they would have already reached some level of success.  So we’re talking about names that you’d have heard whispered or hinted at being the next-big-thing, not necessarily an unknown artist picked at will.  Essentially this acts as extra padding to cushion a designer’s costly rise from local hero to worldwide success.  And to celebrate this grand plan, some fashion food for thought.

Gorgeous Pilotto prints perfect for an evening out.  The textured neckline looks like luxurious armour and the asymmetric drape at the waist is effortless and subtle.  Truly a talented design duo to watch.

Mark Fast’s strategically placed knit dresses for autumn/winter 09.  Knitwear never looked so good.