Mary Katranzou Wins BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Prize
This year, Mary Katranzou collects the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund prize. Other competitors included Holly Fulton, Michael van der Ham, Osman, Mother of Pearl, Sophia Webster, and Emilia Wickstead.
Launched in September 2008 by Harold Tillman, chairman of the British Fashion Council, The Fund provides financial assistance to a talented British designer to transform their label into a global fashion brand. The winner receives £200,000 and high-level business support in order to achieve their fashion goals. The Fund is sponsored by Burberry, Debenhams, Harrods, Paul Smith, Topshop and British Vogue.
“It was an extremely diverse short list, but ultimately, we all agreed that Mary has not only created a strong and hugely appealing identity for her work, but has put in place measures that, along with the support of this prize, should ensure an exciting and successful next stage of her career,” stated Alexandra Shulman, Chair of the Fund Committee and Editor of British Vogue.
Past winners include Erdem (2010), Christopher Kane (2011), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), and Peter Pilotto (2014).
The judging panel also involved Joan Burnstein (of Browns), Samantha Cameron, Naomi Campbell, Mary Horner (of Topshop), Ian Lewis (of No.14 Savile Row), Sarah Manley (of Burberry), Caroline Rush (of the BFC), and Suzanne Tide-Frater (a brand consultant).
The video series will be published this year, and accessible from www.youtube.com/BritishFashionTV and www.vogue.co.uk
