Menswear season is just around the corner. Starting with LC:M in all of three days the avidity at Glass is picking up quickly, much in part to the BFC’s announcement that London menswear marvel Christopher Shannon has been officially named as the first winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund. 2014’s title-holder is now going to reap the benefits of a £150,000 grant, providing the invaluable infrastructure to take his menswear label to the next stage, as well as other intermediary supports, such as a high level mentoring support programme stretched over a 12 month period. Apart from CSM graduate Shannon, who explains that his design signatures often vary, but his clothing always has “just the right amount of drama”, designers including Christopher Raeburn, Lou Dalton and Richard Nicoll were also shortlisted for the talent-touting prize.
From left: Massimiliano Pogliani, CEO of Menswear Fund sponsor Vertu, Christopher Shannon, Caroline Rush and Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones, Editor of GQ and Chair of London Mens: Collections, made a decision along with other judging committee notables including Caroline Rush, Chief Executive at the BFC, Charlie Porter, menswear critic and Jonathan Akeroyd, CEO of Alexander McQueen, commenting “While the competition was tough, Christopher Shannon’s win attests to the very bright future of British menswear, demonstrating original flair, meticulous craftsmanship and an in-depth commercial understanding”.
Certainly, as LC:M makes increasing headway in the London fashion scene, emergent energy that designers like Shannon put proof in, will see the UK start staking more claim to stylish sway.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of the BFC.