Introducing The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2023 Shortlist

Since its launch in 2008, the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund has facilitated the rise of promising London talents, including (but not limited to) Richard Quinn, who won the 2022 iteration; Wales Bonner (2019); Molly Goddard (2018); and Christopher Kane (2011). Today, the British Fashion Council announces the shortlist for the 2023 edition: 16Arlington, A.W.A.K.E. Mode, Ahluwalia, Alighieri, Completedworks, Piferi and Supriya Lele are all in the running for the prestigious award.

With the support of the British Fashion Council, British Vogue, Burberry and Paul Smith, one brand or designer will receive a £200,000 cash prize, in addition to mentoring and advice to help grow their business. Making up the judging panel? Vogue’s Edward Enninful and Sarah Harris, Munroe Bergdorf, Sarah Mower, Alexa Chung, chief executive of the BFC Caroline Rush, Financial Times fashion editor Lauren Indvik, and Burberry chief marketing officer Rod Manley.

“We were amazed by the incredible breadth of talent each of the designers displayed,” Rush says of this year’s shortlist. “Coming out of London Fashion Week, London has reaffirmed itself as the city for creativity and innovation and each of these brands so perfectly exemplifies that talent and fighting spirit that the UK is known for.”

Narmina Marandi and Tania Fares, co-chairs of The BFC Foundation, echo her sentiment: “The continued growth of the BFC Foundation and the support of initiatives like BFC/VDFF comes at a very critical time for our designers, who face one of their toughest years to date in propelling their businesses forward,” they say. “Seeing such an exciting and vibrant shortlist is proof that our British designers are still at the centre of global creativity. We need to continue to harness and support this talent for years to come.”