The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced London based label 16Arlington as the winner of the annual BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.
Established in 2008, and supported by British Vogue, Burberry and Paul Smith, the Fund gifts the winner with a cash prize of £150,000 to support their “growth and contribution to the British fashion ecosystem”. In addition, the recipient of the award will receive complementary high-level business mentoring and professional services.
Founded by Marco Capaldo and the late Federica Cavenati in 2018, 16Arlington has gone on to become a much sought after brand, attracting a host of international fans and dressing celebrities including Simone Ashley, Emma Corrin, Adwoa Aboah, Jodie Turner Smith, and Naomi Campbell.
Other brands in the running for this years prize were Awake Mode, Ahluwalia, Alighieri, Completedworks, Pīferi, and Supriya Lee.
Of 16Arlington’s big win, BFC chief executive Caroline Rush said in a statement: “Congratulations to Marco Capaldo on receiving this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund for 16Arlington. We pay tribute to the late Federica Cavenati, a remarkable creative force behind 16Arlington. Since its inception, the brand has captivated the fashion industry with its innovative and bold approach to womenswear. I am excited to see Marco’s continued impact and creative vision as 16Arlington embark on this new chapter of success. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent in the UK.”
With Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue; European Editorial Director of Vogue, and Chair of the Fund Committee, adding: “16Arlington is an extraordinary brand which has garnered significant attention from the fashion world for its cutting-edge, party-ready pieces – which are guaranteed conversation starters. This is a testament to Marco and Federica’s unwavering commitment to push boundaries and challenge conventions with their show-stopping, subversive and uncompromising womenswear designs. We are excited to see 16Arlington take it to the next level.”
