BFC/Vogue Designer Fund Shortlists Six
The British Fashion Council and Vogue shortlisted six emerging designers for the 2026 Designer Fashion Fund. The selections signal continued investment in new talent that balances creative vision with commercial viability, a key focus for the industry.
- The winner of the fund will receive a £150,000 cash prize and a bespoke, high-level mentoring program to support their business growth. This also includes pro-bono legal services from Mishcon de Reya. - The six shortlisted designers for the 2026 prize are Aaron Esh, Bianca Saunders, Clio Peppiatt, KNWLS, Onalaja, and Talia Byre. - The judging panel is co-chaired by British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir and Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue, Chioma Nnadi. The panel assesses applicants on their creative merit, financial stability, strategic growth plans, and sustainability efforts. - Previous winners of the prestigious fund include notable brands such as Conner Ives (2025), Chopova Lowena (2024), 16Arlington (2023), Richard Quinn (2022), Bethany Williams (2021), Wales Bonner (2019), and Molly Goddard (2018). - Established in 2008, the fund supports designers who have been actively trading for a minimum of three years and have a collection consisting primarily of womenswear and/or accessories. - On rare occasions, the fund has been shared. In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prize was split between all six shortlisted brands, and in 2017 it was awarded to both Mother of Pearl and palmer//harding.
