The British Fashion Council (BFC) promotes British fashion talent with a handful of projects and schemes, which encourage the success of both emerging and established London designers.

Earlier this year, Christopher Kane (photo) – previously recognised by the NEWGEN scheme, which acted as a platform, boosting the designer’s career and notability – was awarded with the BFC / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The Award, now in its second year, includes a sponsorship of £200,000 along with mentoring from industry professionals at director level. A judging panel made up of fashion experts and chaired by Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, shortlisted a selection of eight designers before choosing Kane to receive the award. The prize-winner will show his Spring-Summer 2012 collection this September 19th.

Also presenting Spring-Summer 2012 collections after recognition and sponsorship from a BFC initiated project are Meadham Kirchhoff, Peter Pilotto and Todd Lynn, who received sponsorship for two seasons through Fashion Forward. The Coutts & Co. sponsored initiative, also supported by the London Development Agency, which was established 5 years ago, provides funding to talented emerging British designers so as to develop their London businesses. The three aforementioned labels received a cash prize with which they will showcase collections during this London Fashion Week session, having already done so for the Autumn-Winter 2011 season in February 2011.

Most recently announced, on September 7th 2011, were the winners of the BFC / ELLE Talent Launch Pad programme: Claudia Catzeflis, Saloni, Sophie Hulme and Vassilisa. The four female British designers will receive professional support to develop their businesses over the coming year, including a stand in The Exhibition at London Fashion Week for two seasons, to showcase their collections to an international audience of press and buyers. The project sees the BFC collaborate with ELLE, which will feature the winners in October’s issue.

All of the mentioned designers will showcase collections, realised with the help of the BFC’s various initiatives, for Spring-Summer 2012 at London Fashion Week, which starts on September 16th, 2011.

London Fashion Week runs from Friday 16th September – Wednesday 21st September 2011, with the Wednesday dedicated to menswear fashion. Consult Modem's LFW agenda.

Ben Sharp © Modemonline.com