Centre for Fashion Enterprise reveals “New Fashion Pioneers”

London's pioneering fashion business incubator, Centre for Fashion Enterprise (CFE), has revealed the six new London-based designers who will join and be supported by its “CFE New Fashion Pioneer Programme”.

The programme has previously supported designers who have gone on to be major names in fashion, such as The Industry member and former speaker Mary Katrantzou (collection pictured above), Erdem, Marques Almeida and Peter Pilotto to name a few.

Wendy Malem, Director of the CFE, also a member of The Industry, said this year’s designers represented a new crop of talent “who are breaking the mould”.

“They redefine what a fashion business is and illustrate that today's new designers can explore design, fashion and product from a range of different angles with sufficient talent to lead new markets," she added.

Wendy Malem of CFE

Designers joining the six month programme include: LVMH Grand Prix scholar Richard Malone, London based Chinese-influenced womenswear designer Min Wu, Lei Sihan of dynamic jewellery brand Lion Studio, design duo Gyo Kim and Yuni Choe of sustainable womenswear label Gyo Yuni Kimchoe, performance active-wear designer Charli Cohen and Fashion East menswear designer Grace Wales Bonner.

Richard Malone, Lei Sihan of Lion Studio and design duo of Gyo Yuni Kimchoe commented:

"Coming out of school I feel totally focused on the creative side, and with the label growing so quickly I'm delighted to have a body like the CFE to discuss all of the aspects of running an international sustainable business and planning for the future," said Richard Malone

"It's really exciting to be selected onto the CFE Pioneer Programme. For a fast developing brand like Lion Studio, the programme's guidance and support will be absolutely essential," said Lei Sihan of Lion Studio

"We are more than happy to be part of CFE's Fashion Pioneer programme. Running a fashion business requires much more than designing and making garments. Since we launched our label, we have faced so many difficulties and problems in various areas and the programme and the support it provides will be such a huge help to overcome these obstacles and grow as a sustainable business," added Gyo Kim and Yuni Choe of Gyo Yuni Kimchoe.

The Centre for Fashion Enterprise is now in its 12th year and will continue to support leading emerging talent. It has been supported, since its inception by the London College of Fashion by providing design studios and office space.