BFC Foundation Announce Recipients of Their Talent Support Initiatives

COVID-19 has altered the paths of many; young people's futures have been crushed - or at the very least temporarily put on hold - while thousands of others have been left unemployed. Money has always been scarce in fashion, but after the full force of the pandemic, its absence has never felt more present, crippling the talent of young graduates and designers who are just starting out. Fortunately, the British Fashion Council Foundation is here to help.

After pooling their funds from the initiatives BFC NEWGEN mentoring scheme in partnership with TikTok, the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund, the BFC Fashion Trust and the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, to put towards a COVID crisis fund, the BFC have bounced back with just as many grants and schemes as they offered before; ready to dish them out to all those deserving in the wake of COVID-19.

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the BFC said:

'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. 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.'

Among the recipients of the NEWGEN initiative are some of London brightest talents, including Ahluwalia, ART SCHOOL, Stefan Cooke Bianca Saunders, and Richard Quinn. Ahluwalia, Stefan Cooke and Bianca Saunders were also among the shortlisted nominations for the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund, while beloved menswear designer Bethany Williams was announced as the recipient for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

By supporting and encouraging the future growth and success of the British fashion industry, the BFC Foundation puts a prime focus on education, grant-giving and business mentoring, continuing the UK's position as the best place to study fashion. Activating four support initiatives and allocating several scholarships a year to aspiring youngsters; the BFC's commitment to education and learning comes second to none and is needed now more than ever after the fashion industry has been left decimated (like any other industry) by the deadly pandemic. Thanks to the BFC, we can look forward to a future just as bright as British fashion's past, (or at least when it comes to talent and creativity).