16Arlington takes home the prize for BFC/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has today announced that 16Arlington, the luxury brand renowned for its heavy embellishments, is the winner of the 2023 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (BFC/VDFF).
Established in 2008, the Fund gifts the winner with a cash prize of £150,000 to support their growth and contribution to the British fashion ecosystem. In addition, the recipient of the award will receive complementary high-level business mentoring and professional services. The Fund is supported by British Vogue, Burberry and Paul Smith.
Founded by Marco Capaldo and the late Federica Cavenati in 2018, 16Arlington is a London-based womenswear label, which has quickly established a name for itself amongst ‘it’ girls and celebrities. The ‘conversation-starting’ evening wear is recognisable by its over-the-top embellishments from sequins, to rhinestones, to feathers.
The brand has dressed the likes of Simone Ashley, Emma Corrin, Adwoa Aboah, Jodie Turner Smith, Olivia Rodrigo, and Naomi Campbell. A special mention goes to the Solaria sequinned maxi dress, which became a viral sensation after sequin-clad Hailey Bieber stepped out in the number.
Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue; European Editorial Director of Vogue, and Chair of the Fund Committee, commented: "16Arlington is an extraordinary brand which has garnered significant attention from the fashion world for its cutting-edge, party-ready pieces - which are guaranteed conversation starters.
"This is a testament to Marco and Federica’s unwavering commitment to push boundaries and challenge conventions with their showstopping, subversive and uncompromising womenswear designs. We are excited to see 16Arlington take it to the next level."
The short-listed brands included A.W.A.K.E. MODE, Ahluwalia, Alighieri, Completedworks, PĪFERI and Supriya Lele.
This year’s judging panel was chaired by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council and Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director of Vogue. The panel comprised of experts from across the fashion industry including Alexa Chung and Sarah Harris.
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, added: "Since its inception, the brand has captivated the fashion industry with its innovative and bold approach to womenswear. I am excited to see Marco’s continued impact and creative vision as 16Arlington embark on this new chapter of success. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent in the UK."
