peter pilottoLONDON, Jan 29, 2014/ — Kudos for their great work continues to come Peter Pilotto’s way. On the eve of the launch of their Peter Pilotto for Target collection, the design duo has been named the 2014 winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

Established in 2008, the fund provides one designer with a a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period, as well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business.

Emilia Wickstead, House of Holland, Mary Katrantzou, Osman, Peter Pilotto and Zoe Jordan were shortlisted for the 2014 prize and were invited to present their collections and five year business plans to the Fund judging committee which is made up of representatives from businesses who support the Fund and industry experts.

Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, commented: “Christopher and Peter are deserved winners of this year’s fund award. They have remained true to their vision of a print and colour focused brand but have managed to expand and grow the business to a level where they can now compete on an international stage. It’s a pleasure to be able to support them.”

Since its inception the BFC/VogueDesigner Fashion Fund has supported Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010).

In 2013 BFC/Designer Fashion Fund recipient Nicholas Kirkwood received an undisclosed major investment from luxury conglomerate LVMH while competitor Kering acquired a 51 per cent stake in Christopher Kane.