The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced three new womenswear designers have been awarded Fashion Forward support sponsored by eBay Fashion and supported by Mayor of London for two consecutive seasons from AW13. These are:
David Koma
Holly Fulton
Michael van der Ham
Fashion Forward was first established in 2009 to help provide funding to talented emerging British designers to show and develop their businesses in London. To be eligible, designers will either have progressed through NEWGEN or be at a similar stage in their business. London Fashion Week is the most creative and dynamic event on the international fashion calendar promoting established and emerging British design talent to a global audience.
Fashion Forward is a key BFC initiative to promote developing design talent. The award provides the winner with a monetary prize to assist in showing their collection as well as access to business support provided by the BFC.
Fashion Forward applicants are judged by a panel of key industry representatives including Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, BFC; Melanie Smallwood, Head of eBay Fashion Brands; Sarah Mower MBE; Paula Reed, Harvey Nichols; Oscar Pinto; Hervia Bazaar; Caroline Issa, Tank Magazine.
Melanie Smallwood commented,
“The Fashion Forward initiative is about spotting great emerging talent that has commercial viability. Holly, David and Michael all have this and I look forward to seeing their businesses develop throughout 2013.”
Designer David Koma commented,
“I am delighted to have been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship and be a part of the ongoing support from the British Fashion Council as this backing will allow me to take my brand to a new level. I am excited about what the future holds and this is a great way to start the year off!”
Designer Holly Fulton commented,
“I am delighted to be a part of Fashion Forward for the coming seasons. It is an amazing boost for an emerging designer to have access to the business mentors and show support this offers and adds confidence to both the designer and the label to have this backing. I am greatly looking forward to working with eBay and the BFC for London Fashion Week; it is projects such as Fashion Forward that enable UK designers to establish their businesses whilst fostering their creativity and I am thrilled my label has been chosen for this platform.”
Designer Michael van der Ham commented,
“I feel very honoured to have received the Fashion Forward sponsorship as it is the next step in my career and will allow my business to grow and to become more established.”
As a previous Fashion Forward recipient, Ebay Fashion will continue to work with Henry Holland for a second consecutive season with an exclusive capsule collection that will appear on eBay during London Fashion Week.
Press Report from Ellie Wilson