The London-based labels Astrid Andersen, Christopher Raeburn, E.Tautz, Matthew Miller and Sibling are the semi-finalists that will compete for the prestigious British Fashion Council/GQ Designer Menswear Fund. The winner of the contest will be announced on May 12th, 2015.

The five finalists have already begun a mentoring program developed by the BFC, where a panel of experts provides guidance on topics such as branding, leadership, commercial retail, e-tail and wholesale and digital innovation. Among the 2015’s shortlisted designers, Christopher Raeburn and E.Tautz have been selected for the second time.

"The standard of applications this season was extremely high and really proves how far the shortlisted designers have come whilst demonstrating the strength and growth of the British menswear industry," said Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, to British GQ. The contest, which takes place for the second time, helps to promote emerging talents in the British menswear industry. The prize includes high-level mentoring support over one year, a grant of £150,000 and £50,000 value-in-kind services.

Astrid Andersen
Danish-born and London-based Astrid Andersen graduated from The Royal College of Art in 2010 and has previously received support from Fashion East. The designer is now showing at London Collections : Men as part of the NEWGEN sponsorship and thus quickly attracted the attention of the international media and buyers, thanks to her premium casual-wear inspired by sports aesthetics.

Christopher Raeburn
Christopher Ræburn is a British fashion designer and Artistic Director of Victorinox, a supplier of own-brand Swiss Army knives, cutlery, watches & travel gear. He utilizes re-appropriated military fabrics sourced throughout Europe to create original outerwear and outdoor / tactile-inspired designs entirely made in England.

E.Tautz
E. Tautz was founded in 1867 by {Edward Tautz). The brand catered to the sporting and military elite of its time — aesthetics that inspire Tautz’s collections today. In 1968, E. Tautz was incorporated into Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons. Currently headed by creative director Patrick Grant, E. Tautz was rebranded in 2009 and launched as a ready to wear label with an high sartorial appeal.

Matthew Miller
Up-and-coming English fashion designer Matthew Miller attended the famous Royal College of Arts, London. He previously showcased his work at the Fashion East Menswear Installations project and he was also featured the second edition of Talents for White, the incubator-showcase of the Made in Italy fashion event. Since 2010, Miller pushes the boundaries of menswear with a successful mix of traditional tailoring and experimental urban-wear.

Sibling
Sibling is a London-based brand founded by Joe Bates, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery. Launched in 2008, the label offers a playful and original take on classic knitwear styles and traditional British menswear's staples. The designer-trio also create womenswear, while staying true to their simple yet refined aesthetics.

Picture courtesy of British GQ magazine. From left: Joe Bates of Sibling, Matthew Miller, Patrick Grant of E Tautz, Christopher Raeburn and Astrid Andersen.