The British Fashion Council (BFC) today confirmed the names of nineteen fashion designer businesses that will receive BFC NEWGEN sponsorship, supported by Topshop, to show at London Fashion Week (LFW) in February 2010. NEWGEN, established in 1993, is one of the world’s most internationally recognised talent identification schemes. Its alumni include many great British designers including Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Boudicca, Giles Deacon, Jonathan Saunders and more recently Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Richard Nicoll and Erdem. The recipients of NEWGEN, sponsored by Topshop are:
Catwalk sponsorship: Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff and Peter Pilotto
Presentation sponsorship: Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Maria Francesca Pepe, Sykes
Exhibition sponsorship: Atalanta Weller, Christopher Raeburn, Craig Lawrence, David Koma, Dominic Jones, Fannie Schiavoni, Holly Fulton, KTZ, Louise Gray, LP.BG, Maria Francesca Pepe, Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Michael Lewis, Michael Van der Ham, Natascha Stolle, Peter Pilotto and Sykes.
Following the successful introduction of a presentation schedule last season, February will see four NEWGEN collections shown in this way – introducing two NEWGEN newcomers Maria Francesca Pepe and Holly Fulton. Following two seasons showing as part of the Fashion East collective, Holly Fulton makes her debut on LFW’s presentation schedule. Her graphic, decorative dresses are part of a high-impact top-to-toe look boldly accessorised with Fulton’s jewellery and bags.
In the NEWGEN showrooms, located in the East Wing of Somerset House, existing exhibitors will be joined by new Ready-to-Wear designer of the moment David Koma whose dramatically embellished dresses have been sought out by Beyonce, Cheryl Cole and Rhianna, Christopher Raeburn with his sustainable signature parachute fabric collection and Natascha Stolle’s quirky-chic take on sportswear.
First time NEWGEN recipient jewellery designer, Maria Francesca Pepe, has previously collaborated with Francesca Burns, Jens Laugesen and Louise Gray. Her modern avant garde pieces will feature alongside cult insider jewellery designer, Dominic Jones’s collection. Fannie Schiavoni handcrafted androgynous yet versatile chain jewellery has won the newcomer exhibition sponsorship for the first time.
Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos’ constantly evolving twists on draped digital print have won the pair catwalk sponsorship once more alongside Mark Fast, who last season proved how versatile his collection of beautiful knitwear is.
Topshop continues its support of the NEWGEN scheme for the seventeenth consecutive season. Offering additional support to designers by providing show venues and commissioning special collections available during London Fashion Week, Topshop directly contributes to the business development of some of the most exciting design talents in London today.
Caroline Rush, Joint Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council commented, “NEWGEN is an essential element of the British Fashion Council’s designer development and showcasing programme. This season we have an incredible wave of original, innovative and talented emerging designers who will, without doubt, support London’s reputation as a creative capital.”
Sarah Mower, the BFC’s Ambassador for Emerging Talent, said, “What's so striking about London is the variety of talent and the way the rising cohort of young designers focuses on developing unique and special clothes and accessories. That, combined with a strong collaborative spirit and the willingness to project fashion in fresh ways - as in our new presentation format- means our New Gen recipients are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation in surprising and delightful ways.”
Mary Homer, Managing Director of Topshop adds "Our long standing commitment to the New Generation of British designers is stronger and more important than ever. With so many fledgling designers starting their careers and really setting the pace for innovation in the fashion world London Fashion weeks energy over the past few seasons has proved the perfect antidote to these economically challenging times, enticing buyers and press the world over.”
London Fashion Week will run from Friday 19th February – Wednesday 23rd February 2010 and will be located at Somerset House, Strand WC2.
