Launched in 2008, the British Fashion Council and Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is dedicated to supporting the next generation of exceptional talent in fashion, design, and business savvy. This year, the BFCVDFF nominated 11 trailblazing designers, of whom Bethany Williams was chosen to receive a £200,000 cash prize, in addition to mentoring from some of the brightest minds in the fashion industry.
“Congratulations to Bethany Williams for receiving the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund for 2021,” said British Vogue editor-in-chief and chair of the fund committee Edward Enninful in a press statement. “Bethany is an extraordinary talent who brings a depth to her process that is nothing short of inspirational. On top of her substantial gifts as a designer, she has rethought the way her collections are made, working with women who are homeless or in prison, among others, using her business to bring training and support. She really is a marvel.”
Along with 2021 winner Bethany Williams, fellow nominees for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund were Alighieri, ASAI, Chopova Lowena, Completedworks, E.L.V. Denim, Halpern, Kwaidan Editions, Olubiyi Thomas, Richard Malone, and Supriya Lele.
Previous winners of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund are Wales Bonner (2019), Molly Goddard (2018), Mother of Pearl and Palmer//Harding (2017), Sophia Webster (2016), Mary Katrantzou (2015), Peter Pilotto (2014), Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Christopher Kane (2011), and Erdem (2010). For 2021, the £200,000 cash prize is being generously supported by Burberry, Paul Smith, British Vogue, and Clearpay.
