The British Fashion Council (BFC) has today announced the shortlist for the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund supported by Vertu. The winner will receive a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a 12 month period, as well as a £150,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business and £50,000 value in kind services. BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund shortlist 2016 includes: Astrid Andersen, Craig Green, Christopher Raeburn, Lou Dalton and SIBLING.

The shortlisted designers will participate in a mentoring programme developed by the BFC over the next two weeks, where industry experts will provide guidance on topics including branding, leadership, commercial retail, e-tail and wholesale and digital innovation. Vertu will have its own mentoring day held at Interchange Camden. At the end of the month the designers will submit a revised business plan to the judging panel. The winner will be announced on 18 May. The Fund is aimed at businesses that have been trading for over two years, with UK and international stockists. The shortlisted designers have been chosen as each one has the potential to develop into a global designer brand and is ready for the level of support the Fund offers.

Contact

British Fashion Council in 'in-house PR'