Applications from those in the fashion industry will be reviewed by the British Fashion Council.
An applicant for endorsement in the field of fashion design must:
- Have a leading design role in the fashion business; and
- Show regular professional engagement in the fashion design industry in the last 5 years; and
- If evidencing exceptional talent, show professional engagement in producing outstanding work that has been sold or exhibited internationally through catwalk or other exhibitions and a substantial track record in at least 2 countries; and
- If evidencing exceptional promise, show a developing track record in at least 1 country and professional engagement in producing outstanding work that has been recognised by leading industry players.
You must provide three letters of recommendation from established organisations with nationally or internationally recognised expertise in fashion and at least one letter must be from an organisation based in the UK (if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria).
In addition you must also meet at least two of the following four criteria:
| Exceptional Talent | Exceptional Promise |
|---|---|
| 1. Provide two or more examples of significant media recognition of your work, in at least two countries (which can include your country of residence). | 1. Provide two or more examples of recent UK or international media recognition for your work (within the last 5 years). |
| 2. Provide proof of having won, or having made a significant contribution to winning at least one international award for excellence. | 2. Provide proof of having received, within the last 5 years, support and sponsorship through either (a) the British Fashion Council’s support schemes (b) the Fashion East support scheme (c) the Sarabande Foundation (d) support by The Centre of Fashion Enterprise, or (e) similar support from an international counterpart to the British Fashion Council. |
| 3. Provide proof of catwalk shows, presentations and/or exhibitions in contexts which are recognised as internationally significant in your field in the last 5 years | 3. Provide evidence of one or more orders placed by UK or international luxury retailers and boutiques. |
| 4. Provide proof of extensive distribution and sales of your collections through internationally renowned retailers, your own physical retail outlets or your ecommerce platform. | 4. Provide evidence of recognition by leading industry players of an exceptional graduating collection (within the last 5 years). |
