The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the six shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2026 (BFC/VDFF). Aaron Esh, Bianca Saunders, Clio Peppiatt, KNWLS (Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault), Onalaja (Kanyinsola Onalaja), and Talia Byre are the chosen ones competing for the grant prize, bespoke high-level mentoring, and professional services.
The winner is awarded £150,000 in funding, supporting the designer to translate creativity into sustainable commercial success within the global fashion ecosystem. The Fund is made possible with the support of Vogue and Burberry. As part of the BFC Foundation, the BFC/VDFF sits within a collective of charitable initiatives designed to support the continued development and success of British fashion. This year’s judging panel is chaired by Laura Weir, chief executive, British Fashion Council, and Chioma Nnadi, head of editorial content, British Vogue.
“This year’s shortlisted designers represent more than the creative strength of British fashion today; they embody the future we are committed to building," said Laura Weir, ceo, British Fashion Council. "Their work proves that when talent is properly supported, platformed, and connected to opportunity, UK designers can compete and lead on the global stage. At the BFC, our priority is to support and scale emerging talent by creating the platforms, partnerships, and pathways that turn creativity into enduring businesses and cultural influence. We are proud to continue our partnership with British Vogue in delivering this, working together to ensure that the next generation of British designers is not only discovered, but sustained.”
The Fund criteria reflect the values of excellence in design and strong business acumen. The applicants’ collections should consist primarily of womenswear and/or womenswear accessories. All gender collections are also eligible. The application process also encourages brands to think strategically about the three pillars of the Institute of Positive Fashion (Environment, People, and Community & Craftsmanship). The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund Judging panel, with the winner/s announced in May.
BFC/VDFF is part of the BFC Foundation, which brings all the BFC’s charitable initiatives under one umbrella, supporting the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on three areas: Education, Grant-Giving, and Business Mentoring. The BFC Foundation further enhances the UK’s position as the best place to study, start, and develop a fashion business. The charity activates four support initiatives and allocates several scholarships each year to students, aiming to strengthen those leading the way in terms of creativity, positive business growth, environmental and community impact, as well as to increase the diversity of the talent pool.
Since its inception, winners of the BFC/VDFF include Conner Ives (2025), Chopova Lowena (2024), 16Arlington (2023), Richard Quinn (2022), Bethany Williams (2021), WALES BONNER (2019), Molly Goddard (2018), Mother of Pearl & palmer//harding (2017), Sophia Webster (2016), Mary Katrantzou (2015), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010).
Image: Aaron Esh SS26
