Net-a-Porter launches new mentorship scheme with the British Fashion Council

Online retailer Net-a-Porter has launched a new mentorship scheme with the British Fashion Council (BFC) entitled The Vanguard Education Fund.

The partnership was devised so that BFC’s network of universities could engage with Net-a-Porter to support final year bachelor students with their future careers in the fashion industry.

Four winners will be chosen and awarded 12,500 pounds. Additionally, they will be paired with two leaders within the industry, who will act as their mentors for the academic year.

The fund will be available for students from a bachelor in fashion and design to ceramics, fine art, photography and jewellery who are studying at UK universities within the BFC Colleges Council and selected international students including FEDISA Fashion School Cape Town, Parsons School of Design, Politecnico di Milano and TAFE Australia.

The following industry experts will take part in the fund: actor Jessica Jung, designers Cate Holstein, Conner Ives and Christopher John Rogers, editorial and tech expert Eva Chen, Net-a-Porter’s content director Alice Casely-Hayford and senior market editor Libby Page.

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, said in a statement: “Breaking into the fashion industry is often financially challenging and can be overwhelming. Projects like the Vanguard Education Fund are so important as they pair much-needed bursary fund with essential industry advice.

“We are delighted to provide students with such a fantastic opportunity and group of mentors to help them navigate the ever-changing fashion landscape.”

Photo credit: Yoox Net-a-Porter Group