On Tuesday 14th November, the BFC Foundation and Foundation Patron, Brigitta Freund, hosted a dinner to celebrate Marco Capaldo of 16Arlington at Soho Broadwick Hotel.
Marco was the winner of this year’s BFC Foundation grant-giving initiative; The BFC / VOGUE Designer Fashion Fund.
Through this funding, an incredible amount of hard work and a growing global customer base, Marco has continued to captivate the fashion industry with his innovative and bold approach to womenswear. Pushing the boundaries both in terms of impact and creative vision.
Our host, Brigitta, welcomes these kind of intimate designer connections, “Having been a part of the fabric and support network of the British Fashion Council for many years and then joining as a Foundation Patron this year, I am always delighted to support designers such as Marco who are continually raising the bar in terms of their design, craftmanship and unwavering resilience. Marco has been able to provide such inspiration both to those close to him and to a global audience of fans and clients alike. It is so important to me and my fellow Patrons that we continue supporting, championing and highlighting the zeal and creativity of the British Fashion Industry, especially given the turbulent few years had by so many.”
Each year, as well as a £150,000 grant, the winner of the BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund receives a mentoring programme through the BFC's support team, with access to funders, industry experts and pro bono legal services. The mentoring programme is also offered to all shortlisted designers.
The BFC Foundation, the British Fashion Council’s charity focuses on three areas: Education, Grant-Giving and Business Mentoring. Each recipient signs a grant agreement with the BFC Foundation which includes a Code of Conduct, and requirements to ensure that applicants provide key information for future impact reporting.
It is thanks to the BFC Foundation and our Global Foundation Patron programme, Co-Chaired by our wonderful leaders, Narmina Marandi and Tania Fares that we are able to deliver on these grant giving initiatives and we look forward to 2024, where new, vibrant, creative talent will come to prominence through these programmes.