The British Fashion Council announced the London-based Liverpudlian fashion designer as the winner of the inaugural Fund supported by Vertu.

"We’re delighted to award this year’s fund to Christopher Shannon," commented Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council. "The label has a strong identity, a clear business plan and has been creating a buzz at London Collections: Men since its inception."

Shannon was selected by a jury panel consisting of fashion industry related companies and media, such as representatives of Alexander McQueen and Harvey Nichols, next to The Independent, The Financial Times and British QG.

The British designer competed against his fellow designers Christopher Raeburn, E. Tautz, Lou Dalton and Richard Nicoll, who were all shortlisted for the 2014 prize, and participated in a mentoring program, which provided guidance on topics including strategic planning, branding, leadership, commercial retail, wholesale and digital innovation.

The Fund was established in partnership with Condenast’s GQ magazine (UK), in September 2013, and provides one selected designer with £150,000 grant (€185,000) to improve the infrastructure of their business and £50,000 value (€61,000) in a mentoring support program over a twelve month period. In addition to that, luxury mobile manufacturer Vertu, teamed up with the Fund, in order to provide the designer with an important insight into technology, global distribution, legal and finance.

For more information visit the website of the British Fashion Council

Elisabeta Tudor @ MODEMONLINE