BFC announces International Fashion Showcase winners

Colombia scoops the top prizes at the International Fashion Showcase, which presented collections from emerging designers from around the world hosted by the British Fashion Council and the British Council during London Fashion Week.

The three-day exhibition held at Brewer Street Car Park, London, presented Colombia with the International Fashion Showcase Country Award for its exhibition Frameworld, while special mention went to South Africa and Romania for their exhibits.

Colombia were making their London debut at the BFC’s annual showcase and their exhibition was designed to “mirror the country’s history” while having a “sense of renewal and new beginnings”, said the Colombian Embassy, who organised their participation.

The country also took home the International Fashion Showcase Designer Award, designer Julia Mannisto was praised for her “impressive” textile-focused collection. Special mention was given to South African designer Maxhosa by Laduma, Ken Samudio from the Philippines, Columbia’s Miguel Mesa, Alexandru Nimurad and Vika Tonu from Romania and Korean designer Rok Hwang.

Colombia wins at International Fashion Showcase

The final award for curation went to Yegwa Ukpo of Nigeria, with special mentions for Tory Turk of Korea and Roxana Gibescu from Romania. All of the winners received a trophy designed by emerging Brazilian jeweller Fernando Jorge, a BFC Rock Vault graduate who participated in IFS 2014.

Vicky Richardson, director of architecture, design, fashion at the British Council said: “The International Fashion Showcase provides a valuable platform for young designers from all over the world to share design culture from their own countries and to participate in London Fashion Week.

“It is inspiring to see such a wealth of talent on display and we’re delighted that 30 countries have taken part. London is a world leader for emerging design talent and we look forward to seeing the future fruits of the partnerships and collaborations formed between designers and countries during this year’s IFS.”

Sarah Mower, BFC Ambassador for emerging talent added: “The International Fashion Showcase is a unique project and the first to promote the work of emerging young designers from all over the world on such a large scale. It builds on London's reputation for shining the spotlight on young talent and celebrating diverse fashion cultures.”

This year the IFS featured 110 emerging designers from nearly 30 countries, including Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Ireland, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavia (Denmark & Norway), South Africa, Spain, and Tanzania.

Image: BFC