LONDON, Oct 5, 2013/— Following the success of London Collections: Men, the BFC and GQ are delighted to extend support for British menswear businesses with the launch of the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund offering a prize valued at £200,000 comprising cash, high level business mentoring and professional business services.
Supported by Vertu, thr Fund is aimed at businesses that have been trading for a minimum of three years, with UK and international stockists and who have graduated through the existing BFC talent support schemes or are at a similar stage in their business.
The BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund will provide a platform similar to the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund that was launched in September 2009 and to date has supported Erdem, Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders and this year, Nicholas Kirkwood.
Vertu, lead partner on this Fund will assist in developing the mentoring programme and give access to their team of business leaders in technology, global distribution, legal and finance.
A judging panel of industry experts will select a long list of applicants to attend an interview after which up to eight businesses will be shortlisted based on their contribution to the reputation of the British fashion industry, commercial achievements to date and their three year plan which should include infrastructure and employment opportunities to support growth.
Those shortlisted will take part in an 8 month mentoring programme that will see them spend time with global fashion brands, meet with media, look at range planning and dissect their three year plan to address global growth.
At the end of the mentoring period, designers will be asked to re-present their 3 year plan and present their most recent collection to a panel of judges. The winner must demonstrate a clear vision for their business and how the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund will contribute to their growth with a focus on creating a global brand.
