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.