The British Fashion Council is endowing the next generation of designers with more than just financial means to get ahead, via their annual Fashion Trust Program. This year, eight young talents will be splitting a grant, valued at around $343,551: Emilia Wickstead, Mary Katrantzou, Todd Lynn, Michael Van Der Ham, Zoe Jordan, Osman, House of Holland, and Richard Nicoll. In addition to their cash prize, the lucky labels will receive mentorships and seminars on topics including brand strategy, copyright and IP laws, and trend forecasting.
The fund, which was started in February 2011, has furthered the careers of past recipients, like Marios Schwab, Christopher Kane, Roksanda Ilincic, and Peter Pilotto. “The support of the BFC Fashion Trust has been invaluable to my company and the future of our business. Not only have they provided tailored support and advice from experienced industry professionals and advisors, but they have enabled us to take our sales in house and retain the services of a celebrity PR agency, who are already increasing the profile of the brand, internationally,” Nicoll said in a release, reflecting on his previous experience with the Fashion Trust. He’s not the only recipient this year who’s reaping the benefits for the second time; Katrantzou, Van Der Ham, Osman, and Lynn have won before as well. Learn these London labels now before they (hopefully) grow into international superstars.