ELIGIBILITY
Business Specifications
Applicants must have an established designer fashion business that has been actively trading in the UK under the same brand name for a minimum of 3 years* at the time of applications closing (20th November 2026). The applicant’s company should be based in the United Kingdom and registered with Companies House (not operating as Sole Trader). *Applicants who have been trading under a UK entity for less than 3 years but can provide evidence of having been trading for longer under a different entity based abroad but with the same brand name are eligible to apply.
The applicant's business should not be majority-owned by a third-party. The Creative Director/Designer/Founder, their family and friends, should own no less than 75% of the business combined.
Creative Excellence
Applicants must demonstrate a distinctive and innovative creative vision, with a clear point of view that sets them apart. This vision should be expressed through a strong, coherent brand identity that is recognisable across collections, imagery and communications, together with a high standard of execution, including attention to detail, quality of construction, and a considered use of fabric and craftsmanship.
Product Category
The applicant's collection should consist primarily of womenswear RTW and/or demi-couture. All gender collections are eligible. Collections should not primarily consist of menswear, bridalwear or childrenswear.
Financials
The applicant’s company should have a minimum annual turnover of £300,000 and a maximum annual turnover of £5,000,000 (as per last Year End filed accounts).
Sales
Applicants who trade via wholesale only should have a minimum of 10 reputable international and/or UK stockists.
Applicants who sell direct-to-consumer only should have been trading via their own ecommerce, social media channels or store for at least 2 years and have minimum £100,000 annual sales.
Applicants who trade via both wholesale and direct-to-consumer must meet at least one of the two above conditions.
Recognition
Applicants must be able to show editorial coverage or industry support from both UK and international media.
Showcasing
Applicants who produce fashion shows will be required to showcase as part of London Fashion Week for the period they are part of the programme. Designers who decide to only activate at other international fashion weeks will not be eligible for funding.
Other Specifications
The prize can only be won once, but applicants can reapply if they have been shortlisted previously and not won.
NEWGEN Year 1 and Year 2 recipients are not eligible to apply. Only designers who are currently in their Year 3 of NEWGEN (i.e. graduating in April 2027) can apply. Brands that have never been in NEWGEN must adhere to 3+ years in business criteria.
Applicants are not eligible to be awarded more than one BFC Prize per year. Therefore, applicants who are shortlisted or selected to win more than one will not receive the pro-bono mentoring, legal support and financial grant (if applicable) of the lower value of the two Prizes.
ASSESSMENT
Applications will be assessed on creative originality, brand identity and quality of execution.
Applicants must also demonstrate financial and commercial stability, with a strategic focus and a defined pathway for growth. They should explain how the Fund will contribute to the long-term viability of their business and the return on investment it will deliver.
Applicants must have strong industry recognition, evidenced by a high calibre of stockists, proven direct-to-consumer sales channels and relevant media coverage. Applicants should also be prepared to discuss their sustainability efforts, whether planned or in progress.
The quality and completeness of the application and financial forms will also be taken into account.
APPLICATION
As part of the application form, you will be required to upload the following assets:
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One hero image that best represents the brand (PNG, JPG, JPEG)
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Cash flow document (Excel). Applicants must use the BFC template - click here to download it. The BFC/VDFF prize money is £150,000, and this figure should be used in your cash flow forecast, as explained in the guidance provided as part of the online application form.
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Your most recent year-end accounts (PDF)
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Latest press book
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Lookbooks from last two collections
Incomplete application or financial forms will result in disqualification from the selection process.
Tips for completing the application form
For the best experience, use Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop. Check that each file matches the required format and does not exceed the size limit shown next to the relevant upload field. Please note that the form cannot be saved and returned to later, so we recommend preparing your answers in Word or Excel first and then copying them into the form.
If you have trouble submitting your application, try a hard refresh of your browser, clearing your cache, or opening the page in an incognito window in Google Chrome.
Equal opportunities information
Applicants will be asked to provide equal opportunities information about themselves, their business and their staff. This helps us follow equal opportunities best practice and identify and address barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. This information will not form part of the judging process.
All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and stored securely in line with our Privacy Policy. Your personal details will not be shared with any third party, or used for any purpose other than measuring the impact and success of this project. Any insights drawn from special category data that are shared with third parties will always be aggregated and anonymised.
JUDGING PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a judging panel co-chaired by Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue, and Laura Weir, CEO, British Fashion Council, alongside industry experts and funding representatives.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in March 2027.
For enquiries, please contact bfcvoguefund@britishfashioncouncil.com