BFC Foundation announces MA Scholarship recipients

THE British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the recipients of its 2020 BFC MA scholarship schemes, which provide life-changing funding to those who have an offer from or are currently studying for an MA at a BFC Colleges Council member college.

This year, the BFC, which has been awarding students MA scholarships since 1998, has set out four scholarships for applicants on MA Fashion Design courses, each application shortlisted by a panel of industry representatives chaired by Sarah Mower, BFC ambassador for emerging talent.

Jessan Macatangay’s graduate collection

Jessan Macatangay’s graduate collection

The first MA scholarship, funded by Chanel, is available to students accepted on an MA Fashion Design course in the UK and covers the course tuition fees with a contribution to course costs or living expenses. This year’s recipient is Brandon Choi from Central Saint Martins.

The second MA scholarship, funded by Dior Men, has been awarded to Joe Pearson and Adam Alaoui Elyassé, both from Central Saint Martins. Similarly, this scholarship covers the course tuition fees with a contribution to course costs or living expenses.

While, the MA Full scholarship, which reaps the same rewards, has been given to five recipients: Shanti Bell from the Royal College of Art, Pearl Quist from the University of Salford and Dominic Huckbody, Jessan Macatangay and Edward Mendoza, all from Central Saint Martins.

Shanti Bell’s graduate collection

Shanti Bell’s graduate collection

The last scholarship was the MA Final Year scholarship, offered to students in their final year of an MA Fashion Design course in the UK to fund production costs for their graduate collections. The 2020 recipient is Natasha Sweeney from Central Saint Martins. An additional 11 BA BFC scholarships have been granted, joining four current BA recipients. These graduating recipients are due to be announced in June.

Look two of Brandon Choi’s graduate collection. Courtesy of Westminster Fashion

Look 3 of Brandon Choi’s graduate collection. Courtesy of Westminster Fashion

Edward Mendoza’s graduate collection

Edward Mendoza’s graduate collection

“We have been faced with truly the most impactful crisis of a generation and at this time, supporting and empowering upcoming talent is more important than ever,” said Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the BFC in a statement, emphasising the importance of supporting talent through education. “Academic scholarships provide young designers from all backgrounds with the opportunity to eventually work in the creative industries, paving the way for the future generations of talent.”

by Joshua Hendren