British Fashion Council 2016/2017 Education Programme

Sarah Mower MBE, Co-President of the BFC’s Education pillar commented,

"The BFC Education Foundation scholars, for BA and MA are selected based on their outstanding talent, from Universities across the country. Their work this year is the inspiring proof of the creativity, individuality and technical skills which put British fashion educators at the top of every international measure of excellence. In times when art education is under attack and student debt rising, the determination of the BFC to ensure that talent is supported has been redoubled. I am delighted that the annual proceeds of The Fashion Awards are being devoted to funding the exceptional young people whose originality and new ways of thinking are needed to strengthen the future of the industry. 

In addition, we are more than ever grateful to the individuals and companies who have responded to our call-out for donations for this cause. I'm sure they will be as excited as we are to see what brilliant people their money has enabled"

The British Fashion Council Education Foundation promotes excellence in British fashion education and supports the future talent pipeline for the fashion industry. In the last year alone the BFC’s Education Foundation has awarded over £100,000 across 12 BA and MA scholarships.

The BFC’s education initiatives also support younger people looking to gain fashion industry knowledge and insight. National Fashion & Business Saturday Clubs are aimed at giving young people aged 14-16 the opportunity to learn about fashion at their local college or university, for free.

Additionally, the BFC works with a group of fashion employers and the University of Arts London to develop a Fashion Studio Apprenticeship. All this support for young talent benefits not only the students but also strengthens the BFC’s aim to make Britain the best place to start, develop and grow creative, innovative businesses.

Scholarship Recipients

• BA & MA Scholars: The British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce the second annual recipients of its scholarship to support undergraduate students. The BFC has been awarding students MA scholarships since 1998; through introducing an award to support BA students in 2016, the BFC sought to secure its legacy of support for talented students at every stage, safeguarding the opportunity to further education regardless of financial situation.

The funding, provided by the BFC Education Foundation, financially supports students with the ability and potential to make an exceptional contribution to the fashion industry.

Of those graduating this year, Gabriella specialises in Womenswear at Central Saint Martins; Harriet Specialises in Menswear at Sheffield Hallam University; Ian specialises in Womenswear at the University of Westminster; Jacob specialises in Menswear at the Manchester School of Art; Kitty specialises in Menswear Knitwear at Central Saint Martins; Lloyd specialises in Menswear at the University of Westminster; Matthew specialises in Menswear Womenswear at Central Saint Martins and Polly specialises in Womenswear at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Second year student Jessica Sheridon Grech is also receiving support for her BA Womenswear degree at Arts University Bournemouth.

Charlotte Olympia Scholarship

The second annual Charlotte Olympia Scholarship was awarded to Sara McMullan, studying BA Footwear: Product Design and Innovation at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion. This scholarship is the first dedicated footwear scholarship to be offered by such an established luxury brand.

Colleges Council Graduate Preview Day

The BFC Colleges Council hosts an annual Graduate Preview Day for its Colleges Council members, an opportunity for fashion industry professionals to view the talent emerging from the UK’s top fashion colleges and meet the course leaders.

The BFC Colleges Council partners with a number of institutions and established brands on competitions to help support fashion students. Winners of the Burberry Fashion Design competition, the Fashion Monitor Outstanding Portfolio Award, the Topshop & Topman Fashion Design competition and WGSN Illustration Award were announced at this year’s Graduate Preview Day.

Burberry Fashion Design Competition

• Winner: Nandita Shah, Kingston University - Nandita has been awarded £2,000 and a 3 month internship at Burberry
• Runners-Up: Grace Grier, Ravensbourne and Rebecca Hoult, Manchester Metropolitan University - Grace and Rebecca have been awarded 3 month internships at Burberry.

Fashion Monitor Oustanding Portfolio Award 

• Winner: University of Westminster - Westminster has been awarded two 1 year subscriptions to Fashion and Beauty Monitor

Topshop and Topman Fashion Design Competition

• Topshop Winner: Alexandra Danko, University of Salford - Alexandra has been awarded a 1 year internship at Topshop.
• Topman Winner: Lucy Ward, UCA Rochester - Lucy has been awarded a 1 year internship at Topman.

WGSN Illustration Award

• Winner: University of Westminster - Westminster has been awarded two 1 year subscriptions to WGSN.
   

Previously Announced Fashion Design Competitions

Stradivarius Fashion Design Competition

• Winner: Terence Cartwright-Foster, Ravensbourne – Terence was awarded a fulltime design position at Stradivarius and a £500 cash prize.
• Runner-Up: Alex Ritchie, Manchester Metropolitan University received a £500 cash prize, and has subsequently been offered a fulltime position.

Coach Fashion Design Competition

• Winner: Lloyd James Husband, University of Westminster – Lloyd was awarded a £3,000 cash prize to help fund the creation of his graduate collection.

www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk