Sophia Webster wins 2016 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Mar 23, 2016

Sophia Webster, the British accessories designer who is known for her fun, quirky shoes and who recently also branched out into handbags, has been named the winner of this year's BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund.

The Fund was first launched in 2008 with an aim to help emerging designers get to the next step in their career. Webster will now receive a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period; as well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure for the next stage of her business.

She was up against Emilia Wickstead, Mother of Pearl, Osman, and Prism for the award. They all had to present their collections and five year business plans to the Fund judging committee, which consists of representatives from businesses who support the Fund and industry experts.

Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, commented: “Sophia Webster is a great winner for this year's award. The brand encapsulates all the originality and creativity that British fashion is known for while Sophia and her team have pursued a clear vision with drive and professionalism.”

The Fund is a legacy project from the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations and supported by British Vogue, Burberry, Harrods, Paul Smith and Topshop.

Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, commented: “Congratulations to Sophia Webster who has deservingly received this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The judging committee was impressed by her brilliant talent and thorough business acumen; seeing great potential for developing her label into an internationally acclaimed British brand. Sophia has an amazing ability to turn accessories into masterpieces and we are thrilled to support her at an exciting time of growth.”