The Young Brands Shortlisted For This Year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

Judging by the 16Arlington campaign images currently being pasted on billboards around London – hello, Edie Campbell reclining in ravishing red sequins! – 2024 is shaping up to be a remarkably good year for the label. The Hackney-based brand was announced as the winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in 2023, with founder Marco Capaldo receiving a cash prize of £150,000, which he plans to invest in sustainable design, marketing and in-person events.

Since its inception in 2008, the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund has spearheaded the ascents of Richard Quinn (2022), Wales Bonner (2019), and Molly Goddard (2018). Today, the British Fashion Council announces the shortlist for the 2024 edition: Ahluwalia, Chopova Lowena, Clio Peppiatt, Knwls, Nensi Dojaka and Stefan Cooke 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 £150,000 cash prize, in addition to mentoring and advice to help grow their business. Making up the judging panel? British Vogue’s head of editorial content, Chioma Nnadi and Vogue global network deputy director Laura Ingham, chief executive of the BFC Caroline Rush, Burberry chief marketing officer Rod Manley, Mischon partner Sally Britton, art and image director Ibrahim Kamara stylist Harry Lambert, Alexa Chung, Sarah Mower and Susie Lau.

“It’s important that we do not just pay lip service to the idea of supporting emerging talent in our industry,” Nnadi says. “I’m proud that through this fund we are able to offer tangible financial support which can help a new wave of designers put themselves on the map. I look forward to not only seeing the incredible work of these designers, but also getting to know them through the mentoring and development scheme which is built into our fund. It’s a real honour to be part of this very exciting work.”

Adds Rush: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent in the UK. Heading into London Fashion Week and its 40th anniversary, we will celebrate London’s creative community and position as a global cultural hub, and each of these brands exemplify the unbridled creativity and individuality that the UK is known for. We are incredibly grateful to our funders for their continued support.”