British Fashion Council reveals BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026 shortlist

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the four shortlisted designers for the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026.

Established in 2013, the Fashion Fund recognises and accelerates outstanding British designer businesses, with the 2026 winner receiving a £100,000 grant prize, alongside a year-long mentorship with an industry leader, pro-bono legal services, and access to a network of specialist advisors tailored to their business needs.

The shortlisted designers include Clothsurgeon, which was founded in 2012 and is recognised for its bespoke streetwear garments that have earned it a storefront on Savile Row.

Derrick was founded in 2021 by Central Saint Martins alumni Luke Derrick, who positioned the label around sportswear pragmatism with a luxury finish. He made his London Fashion Week debut as part of the NEWGEN platform in 2024.

Label Harri was founded in 2020 and was a finalist for the Fashion Fund last year. It is known for its sculptural, inflatable latex garments that have been worn by celebrities including Sam Smith for his Brit Awards performance, as well as Björk and Katy Perry.

Labrum London infuses West African narratives into its tailored garments and, since being founded in 2014, designed Arsenal's 2024/26 away kit.

Previous winners of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund include Bleue Burnham (2025), Bianca Saunders (2024), Wales Bonner (2023), Nicholas Daley (2022), Ahluwalia (2021), A-COLD-WALL (2019), Craig Green (2016), E Tautz (2015) and Christopher Shannon (2014).

The announcement follows the recent launch of its 2030 strategy, which repositions the organisation from a promoter of British fashion to a strategic business accelerator for the entire industry.

As part of the new strategy, the Fashion Fund will play a key role in nurturing creative talent while strengthening commercial resilience through skills, mentorship and investment, forming part of the strategy's effort to provide designers with more sustained, tangible support.

Laura Weir, CEO at the BFC, said: "Each year, the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund highlights the strength of British menswear. These designers represent the creative excellence that defines British fashion today. Through the Fund, we are focused on sustained support to help designers build resilient, future-facing businesses. Alongside the team at GQ, we are proud to support their continued growth and help them develop the skills, connections and resources to take the next step."

Murray Clark, Senior Style Editor at GQ, added: "For twelve years, the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund has been a prime activator for some of the most remarkable names in menswear – and I'm honoured to be co-chairing for the first time alongside Laura Weir. As London Fashion Week continues its ascendancy within the industry, this prize has never been more powerful – or needed – in nurturing our homegrown, next gen talent."

In February, the BFC had announced the shortlisted designers for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2026.