Craig Green wins 2016 BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
May 19, 2016

British conceptual fashion designer Craig Green, who was born in London and is still based in the city, has been named the winner of the 2016 BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund.

Green will now receive a £150,000 grant to provide the necessary infrastructure to take his brand to the next stage of its business, as well as a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period. 

Dylan Jones OBE, Editor of British GQ and Chair of London Collections Men, commented: “I would like to congratulate Craig Green, the third winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fund, supported by Vertu. This year the level of talent and business acumen presented by the shortlisted designers was even higher than usual, with each designer making a case for themselves. However there was only really one winner, as Craig demonstrated a unique ability to build commercially on the incredible awareness driven by his high-profile shows during London Collections Men. It was a unanimous decision, as he showed a seemingly innate ability to understand the demands of growing a small business. He is a more than worthy winner of the prize. I would also like to personally thank Gordon Watson for supporting the BFC/GQ fund. As a bastion of British creativity Vertu completely understand the importance of nurturing young British talent.”   

The Fund is the UK's biggest menswear prize and is supported by Vertu.

Gordon Watson, CEO of Vertu commented: “Once again, it has been a delight to spend time mentoring each of the shortlisted designers for what is now the third BFC/GQ Menswear Designer Fund. It has been a privilege for the Vertu team to be so involved. The standard has been very high but in the end, Craig won because of his clear vision and commercial awareness, which will no doubt lead to a very successful future.”

Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, commented: “The panel was impressed by the focus, determination and talent of the shortlisted designers. All have bright futures and will play key roles at London Collections Men. But, there can only be one winner and Craig demonstrated incredible maturity, he has a clear plan of how the fund will benefit his business and how the mentoring can assist in his business growth over the next three years.”

Green beat Astrid Andersen, Christopher Raeburn, Lou Dalton and Sibling to win the prize. He is also one of the British Isles nominees for the International Woolmark Prize's menswear award.