London-based womenswear brand Chopova Lowena has been named the winner of the 2024 British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. Established in 2008, the Fund provides the winner with a cash prize of £150,000 to support business growth and their contribution to the British and global fashion ecosystem, alongside pro-bono bespoke high-level business mentoring and professional services. The Fund receives the very generous support of British Vogue, Burberry, and Paul Smith.
Founded by Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena in 2017, Chopova Lowena is rooted in British and Bulgarian craftsmanship and vibrantly juxtaposes folklore references and sportswear. The brand prioritizes sustainability, utilizing recycled materials and deadstock textiles to create long-lasting modern pieces with a punk twist. The duo’s signature piece, a recycled folkloric textile skirt, has taken the international street style scene by storm, positioning the brand, Emma and Laura as two of the UK’s most exciting and burgeoning design talents.
“Congratulations to Emma and Laura on receiving this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund for Chopova Lowena. We were incredibly impressed by the duo’s bold and sustainable approach to design and craftsmanship," commented Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of the British Fashion Council. "It’s been a pleasure to watch the brand go from strength to strength, gaining a devoted following and attaining cult status over the last few years. https://questionnaire.modemonline.com/admin/fashion/homepage-layoutI am excited to see their continued impact and creative vision as Chopova Lowena embarks on this new chapter of success. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent we have here in the UK."
“We are so honoured to be the recipients of the BFC/Vogue Fund this year. We are joined on the shortlist by fellow designers we greatly admire and sit alongside past winners who inspire us daily. The support of the BFC and Vogue means the world to us and we are eternally grateful for this opportunity to continue to grow and develop our brand on a higher level. London is at the core of what Chopova Lowena is about and we feel very proud to be part of this amazing creative community. We are forever thankful to our amazing team who work so hard every day to make our dreams possible. Thank you so much to the incredible panel of judges, we are so excited for the future!,” said Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena, co-founders of Chopova Lowena.
This year’s judging panel was chaired by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, and Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue. The panel comprised experts from across the fashion industry including Alva Claire, model; Harry Lambert, stylist; Ib Kamara, editor in chief, Dazed and Art and image director, Off-White; Isabel Waterstone, vice president, global marketing, Burberry; Laura Ingham, deputy director, global fashion network, British Vogue; Rod Manley, chief marketing officer, Burberry; Sally Britton, partner (Intellectual property, co-head of retail), Mishcon de Reya and Susie Lau, fashion editor.
Ahluwalia, Clio Peppiatt, Knwls, Nensi Dojaka, and Stefan Cooke were all shortlisted for the 2024 prize. Previous winners of the BFC/VDFF include 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).
