The British Fashion Council (BFC) has revealed the six designers who will receive the coveted BFC Fashion Trust grants for 2026. This significant program, established in 2011, offers crucial financial investment and tailored industry guidance to emerging British talent, empowering them to build resilient and sustainable businesses. The recipients for this year are Clio Peppiatt, Conner Ives, Nicholas Daley, Paolo Carzana, Patrick McDowell, and Tolu Coker.
A Foundation for Growth
The BFC Fashion Trust operates under the umbrella of the BFC Foundation, a philanthropic arm dedicated to strengthening the UK's global reputation for design excellence. Since its inception, the Trust has been instrumental in nurturing homegrown talent, having supported 59 designer businesses to date. Through over £3 million in funding, the initiative has facilitated the scaling of operations across critical areas such as merchandising, e-commerce, production, and sampling. The long-term impact of this support was notably recognized at The Fashion Awards 2025, where the founder of the Fashion Trust, Tania Fares, received a Special Recognition Award for her fifteen years of dedication to the program.
The 2026 Cohort: A Blend of Resilience and Innovation
This year's selected designers represent a diverse and dynamic group, each bringing a unique vision to the contemporary fashion landscape. Clio Peppiatt is known for her intricate, handcrafted pieces that often explore themes of femininity and empowerment. Conner Ives has garnered attention for his innovative use of upcycled materials and his commentary on American identity through a British lens. Nicholas Daley consistently merges his British and Jamaican heritage, offering a distinctive approach to menswear that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary streetwear aesthetics. Paolo Carzana is celebrated for his artisanal approach, creating pieces that are both deeply personal and environmentally conscious. Patrick McDowell is recognized for his commitment to sustainability and his bold, theatrical designs that challenge conventional fashion norms. Tolu Coker brings a rich narrative to her work, drawing inspiration from her Nigerian-British heritage and exploring themes of identity and displacement through her collections.
The selection panel, chaired by Caroline Issa, BFC Board Member and Chief Executive and Fashion Director of TANK, comprised a distinguished group of industry leaders. This included Ade Hassan MBE (Nubian Skin), Andin Fonyonga (Lewis Hamilton Ventures), Barbara Campos (Joseph), Emily Chan (British Vogue), Narmina Marandi (BFC Foundation), Neil Clifford (Kurt Geiger), Richard Johnson (LuxExperience), and Timmy Malkoun (Ixora Holdings). Their collective expertise was crucial in identifying designers who not only possess exceptional creative talent but also demonstrate the resilience, determination, and business acumen necessary for long-term success.
BFC's Evolving Strategy: 'Access, Creativity, Growth'
This year's grant program aligns with the BFC's overarching strategy, 'BFC 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth.' This new framework aims to refine and refocus the council's initiatives for emerging talent, with a strong emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes. Laura Weir, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, stated that the BFC Fashion Trust remains "a vital part of that commitment, demonstrating the value of sustained, strategic support for British fashion businesses." She further added, "As part of our strategy BFC 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth, we have refined the BFC's Prizes and Programmes and committed to support that is focused, meaningful and delivers measurable impact. We are proud to support this year's recipients as they strengthen and scale for their next chapter.”
Caroline Issa echoed this sentiment, highlighting the qualities of the selected designers: "The shortlisted finalists personified so much of what makes British talent and brands so special – resilience, determination, uniqueness and boldness. Our panel of experts and business leaders were all impressed by their vision, acumen and drive, and ultimately, the recipients of the BFC Fashion Trust grants will no doubt use the support to supercharge their businesses at a critical time, which makes this award in particular so crucial.”
The BFC Fashion Trust's commitment extends beyond financial aid, offering invaluable mentorship and industry connections. This holistic approach is designed to equip designers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the global fashion market. The program's success is evident in the continued growth and influence of its alumni, who have gone on to achieve international acclaim and establish significant brands within the industry. The BFC also extends its thanks to Winston Taylor, BFC Fashion Trust legal partner, for their support in providing pro-bono legal services to recipients.
The announcement of the 2026 BFC Fashion Trust recipients underscores the British Fashion Council's ongoing dedication to fostering a vibrant and innovative fashion ecosystem in the UK. The support provided is expected to significantly contribute to the future success and global standing of these six promising designers, further cementing the UK's position as a leading force in the international fashion arena.