The inaugural BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will be up for grabs this year with the British Fashion Council announcing a shortlist for the prestigious prize.

The shortlist comprises London Fashion Week women’s wear designers Erdem, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Richard Nicoll and Clements Ribeiro;

In the menswear division, new designer E.Tautz; accessories label Angel Jackson, and shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood all made the shortlist.

The fund was originally launched in November 2009 and will provide one designer with 200,000 British pounds and high-level mentoring support to build his or her business on the global stage.

The committee will be made up of Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods, who will chair the panel and play an active role in supporting the winner.

Those supporting the fund include the Arcadia Group, Burberry, Condé Nast, Debenhams, Harrods, House of Fraser, HSBC Commercial Bank, Jaeger/ Aquascutum, Marks & Spencer, Paul Smith, Tesco Clothing, Toni&Guy and Westfield.

One of the representatives from organizations funding the prize, Mr. Harold Tillman, said he was very supportive of an initiative he feels is vital to ensuring good business.

“The industry support that we have received for The British Fashion Council’s Vogue Designer Fashion Fund so far has been fantastic but we still have a lot of work to do to ensure a lasting legacy,” she said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our funders. I strongly believe this scheme will play a key role in developing businesses in the future”.