Announcement

BFC ANNOUNCES 2025/26 BFC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

13 hour(s) ago

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025/26 BFC

Foundation BA and MA Scholarships, an initiative that not only funds education but fuels the

future of British creativity.

 

Delivered through the BFC Foundation, these scholarships provide essential financial

support to students who have offers from, or are currently studying at, BFC Colleges Council

member universities across the UK. Beyond funding, each scholar gains access to the BFC

Scholars Programme for the duration of their scholarship, which includes advisory

touchpoints, access to industry-led workshops and creative development opportunities

designed to bridge the gap between education and professional practice.

 

The scholarships are a cornerstone of the BFC’s mission to secure and future proof the next

generation of creative talent, working to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way

of opportunity.

 

This year, three new MA students join the existing five MA recipients, while four new BA

students join nine returning BA recipients. Each scholar has been selected for their

exceptional talent, commitment and need, with priority given to those who might otherwise

be unable to access higher education. Shortlisted applicants are rigorously assessed by

panels of leading fashion educators and industry professionals.

 

Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, said: “Congratulations to this year’s

BFC Foundation BA and MA scholars. Your ideas, energy and determination will define the

next chapter of British fashion. These scholarships are about more than funding. They areabout access, and opportunity. They ensure that creativity is not confined to geography or

privilege but open to talent wherever it lives, from cities to regions, from established fashion

schools to new voices rising outside the traditional centres.

 

Supporting emerging designers at this formative stage is essential to the long term health of

our industry. The next generation must not only reflect the diversity of Britain but also help

reimagine what British fashion can be: inclusive, decentralised and globally relevant. When

we invest in access, we invest in the future.”

 

The BFC Foundation’s scholarship work remains one of the most powerful ways the BFC

delivers on its commitment to an inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive fashion

industry. By unlocking potential at every level - from classroom to catwalk - the BFC ensures

that creativity continues to be one of Britain’s greatest cultural and economic strengths.

 

Sarah Mower (Panel Chair), Chief Critic, Vogue Runway, BFC Ambassador for

Emerging Talent said: "Supporting fashion education through scholarships is core to the

work of the British Fashion Council. Each year, we are inspired and humbled by the

creativity, drive and potential of the students we meet. As chair of the committee, I’m deeply

grateful to everyone who gives their time to support and mentor the next generation of talent,

none of this would be possible without them. A special thanks to Chanel, Dior MEN and the

Joe Casely-Hayford family, their commitment to providing both financial support and

transformative industry experiences sets a powerful example. Congratulations to each of this

year's recipients."

 

MA Scholarship Recipients

This year’s recipients are Sabrina Nieddu, Kingston School of Art and She Carmona, UAL

Central Saint Martins. Returning MA scholars are UAL Central Saint Martins students Oliver

Clarke and Yodea Marquel Williams and UAL London College of Fashion student Geraint

Brian Lewis. The MA Scholarship is available to students accepted on a MA Fashion

Design course at a BFC Colleges Council member university.

 

CHANEL MA Scholarship Recipients

Returning as this year’s recipient is Elizabeth Uno-Ekwang, UAL Central Saint Martins.

Now in its sixth year, this MA Scholarship funded by CHANEL provides funding as well as

bespoke mentoring opportunities from the CHANEL team and Amanda Harlech who

continue to support students, providing insight and counsel for the duration of their MA

studies.

 

DIOR MEN MA Scholarship Recipient

Returning as this year’s recipient is George Zverko, UAL Central Saint Martins. Now in its

sixth year, the MA Scholarship funded by Dior MEN provides funding as well as direct

mentorship and guidance from the Dior MEN design team, who offer invaluable advice and

support throughout the duration of the scholarship.

 

Joe Casely-Hayford MA Scholarship Recipient

This year’s recipient is Stella Osei, UAL Central Saint Martins. The Joe Casely-Hayford MA

Scholarship honours Joe’s incredible legacy, providing funding and support to young talent

from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds as they start their journey in the fashion

industry. Through this scholarship, students have the opportunity to receive advice and

mentoring from the Casely-Hayford family and team.

 

BA Scholarship Recipients

This year’s recipients are Madeleine Miller, University of Westminster and Malachi

Marriner, UAL Central Saint Martins. The BA scholars returning this year are: Abdula

Ahmad, UAL Central Saint Martins; Ayobami Ajetomobi UAL Central Saint Martins; Cléa

Henry-Gabriel-Calixte, UAL Central Saint Martins; Molly Putner, Kingston University and

Reuben Harris, University of Westminster. The BA Scholarship is open to students

commencing their degree or part way through, who have a confirmed place on a BA Fashion

Design course at a BFC Colleges Council member university.

 

BA Final Year Scholarship Recipients

This year’s recipient is Aaysha Mehra, Manchester Fashion Institute. The BA scholars

returning this year are: Aaron Adkins, Manchester Fashion Institute; Aliyah Dankwah,

University of Westminster; Luke Saul, UAL Central Saint Martins and Zahra Al-Najjar, UAL

Central Saint Martins. The BA Final Year Scholarship is open to students in their final year of

a BA Fashion Design course at a BFC Colleges Council member university.

 

The 2025/26 panels were chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, Chief Critic, Vogue Runway &

BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and included: Amanda Johnston, Curator &

Education Lead, The Sustainable Angle; Andrew Ibi, Artist, Designer & Educator,

Co-Founder, BOLD; Co-Founder, FACE; Foday Dumbuya, Founder & Creative Director,

Labrum London; Harris Elliott, Visual Artist; Ida Petersson, Co-Founder of Creative

Agency, Good Eggs; Karen Binns, Global Fashion Director, 10 Magazine; Katie Rawle,

Head of Designer Initiatives & Education, British Fashion Council; Maria Casely-Hayford,

Casely-Hayford; Paolo Carzana, Founder & Designer, Paolo Carzana; Stavros Karelis,

Founder Creative & Buying Director, MACHINE-A; Tamsin Blanchard, Fashion Journalist,Editor & Writer and Taya Francis, Designer & first recipient of Joe Casely-Hayford MA

Scholarship.

 

For 2025/2026 the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152) made £260,000

available to its twenty-one MA and BA scholars. The BFC Foundation brings all the BFC

charitable initiatives under one umbrella; supporting the future growth and success of the

British fashion industry by focusing on three areas: Education, Grant-Giving and Business

Mentoring. Link to scholars’ web page here.

 

Share on
×  

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience and for analytic purposes. By clicking I agree, you give your consent for us to set cookies. View more in the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.