Application & Criteria

Backstage at nasir mazhar aw14

NEWGEN MEN supports emerging menswear talent with business support and showcasing opportunities at London Collections: Men.

What do the panel look for in NEWGEN MEN designers?

"For NEWGEN MEN I'm looking for designers who have got individual spark, a clarity of vision, the desire to work hard, and also the potential to develop in the long-term. Crucially, I'm looking for those who have all the above, but not necessarily the finances to make it all work." – Charlie Porter

 "I look for focused designers with a sense of enduring identity that are original and challenging yet have strong Menswear sensibilities. Their design future should show signs, albeit early, of business longevity" – Gordon Richardson, Topman 

Eligibility

• The collection should consist of menswear or accessories.
• Applicants should be based in the United Kingdom.
• You should have been in business for no longer than 3 years.
• Applicants must have a minimum of two stockists. International sales are not required.

Phase One

Application Process

• Designers will need to fill out the online application form. Applications are now closed.
  
• Designers are asked to provide two industry-based references, we suggest that a buyer, journalist, opinion former, professor or significant mentor are relevant referees.
• Designers will need to fill out a Future Plans section as part of the application form of no more than 500 words.

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Phase Two

Submissions

• Once an applicant has completed the application form online, this will be reviewed and the candidate will be notified by email when the application has been received.
• Guidance notes for submitting samples will then be sent out to successful applicants. Please do not submit samples unless requested to do so.    
• Applicants may be asked to submit up to six samples from their current collection, which will be considered alongside the application to reach the final shortlist.

Phase Three

Interview

Designers may be invited to interview by the selection panel where they will be asked about their collection, business and may need to outline their showcasing plans.  

backstage at astrid andersen aw14

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is offered for three seasons, occasionally a fourth is awarded. 
• Cash sponsorship is awarded to those taking part in catwalk shows or presentations or installations.
• A panel of at least 12 judges is selected each season which includes key opinion formers, media, buyers and representatives from the BFC and Topman.
• The panel is there in an advisory capacity only.   There may be certain cases where the BFC feels a particular applicant may or may not be suitable for New Gen sponsorship, and the BFC reserves final say.

 

For further information please contact:

Tessa Creagh-Barry
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1965
tessa-creagh-barry@britishfashioncouncil.com