Ahluwalia, Conner Ives & Supriya Lele Among Young London Brands Getting A Major Boost From The BFC

The British Fashion Council provides crucial support and mentorship to the UK’s up and coming designers – more important than ever at a time when the industry is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. The BFC’s 2021 instalment of grants will benefit 34 emerging brands, as well as a number of students.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to champion talent and to support our emerging and young businesses that lead the way in environmental and community impact while increasing the diversity of the talent pool,” remarks Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council. “The UK has a reputation of having some of the most innovative and creative talent and through the BFC Foundation, our aim is to improve equality, equity, and opportunity so that the fashion industry remains open to all.”

This year, TikTok has joined the BFC’s renowned NEWGEN scheme as a principal partner. Under the sponsorship scheme, 21 emerging brands will benefit from advice, financial support and expertise: Ahluwalia, Richard Quinn, ASAI, Bianca Saunders, Supriya Lele, Art School, Conner Ives, Stefan Cooke, S.S. Daley, Saul Nash, Yuhan Wang, Per Götesson, Robyn Lynch, Roker, Labrum London, Matty Bovan, Eftychia, Feben, Helen Kirkum, Nensi Dojaka and Paolo Carzana. The recipients will also receive pro-bono legal services from DLA Piper, plus tax and accounting support from RSM.

Bianca Saunders, Stefan Cooke and Ahluwalia have also been shortlisted for the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund, along with Feng Chen Wang, Nicholas Daley and Bethany Williams. Williams was unveiled as the winner of the 2021 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund earlier this month. The recipient of the Menswear Fund will be announced in June ahead of London Fashion Week Men’s.

Both funds were established to foster “creative excellence in business”, while the goal of the BFC Fashion Trust is to “empower growth”. Unlike the other funds, the Fashion Trust grant money is given awarded for a defined project, set to be delivered within a specific time period.

For the very first time, designers across womenswear, menswear and accessories were all considered, crowning Art School, Completedworks, E.L.V. Denim, Halpern, Neous, Nicholas Daley and Wales Bonner as the recipients. Each were invited to articulate and present their concepts, showing the opportunity it could provide for broader business growth.