Mary Katrantzou is this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund winner, beating out the likes of New Zealand-born Emilia Wickstead and footwear designer Sophia Webster.
The award, announced today, gives the 31-year-old designer access to a 12-month mentoring programme and a grant of about $390,000 to build her business.
Katrantzou, renowned for her innovative use of digital prints, launched her namesake label shortly after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2008. The London-based, Athens-native has since collaborated with Adidas and Topshop, and has become a fixture at London Fashion Week.
British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush says Katrantzou is a tireless worker with an abundance of creativity. “It really is a pleasure working with Mary and we are thrilled that we are able to support her business at an exciting time of growth.”
Now in its sixth year, the Fashion Fund has been awarded to London-based designers Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders and Erdem in the past.
