"NewGen has been here to back up extraordinary young talent, from Alexander McQueen onwards," said Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Chair of the NewGen committee. "It started in a dark economic time, and it’s here to continue exactly that now. The scheme offers business mentorship, financial support and a platform which flexes over time to support and amplify the changing ideas of the most exciting and socially significant young designers, who will shape the future. It’s more important than ever that the fashion community does its utmost to nurture and protect innovative start-ups in our inclusive British scene. We’re looking forward to seeing the energy and innovation that each and every applicant will bring." 

Applications for the NewGen class of 2021-2022 are open now. Recipients of the 2019-2020 award were: A-Cold-Wall*, Ahluwalia, Alighieri, Art School, Asai, Bethany Williams, Bianca Saunders, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Halpern, Isosceles Lingerie, Matty Bovan, Nicholas Daley, paria /Farzaneh, Per Götesson, Richard Malone, Richard Quinn, Roker, Stefan Cooke, Supriya Lele and NewGen "One to Watch" Eftychia.

"We are delighted to be working with the British Fashion Council as the Principal Partner for NewGen," said Rich Waterworth, General Manager TikTok. "NewGen offers a unique opportunity for aspiring British designers and we are humbled to be a part of this journey in 2021, at a time when supporting emerging talent is more important than ever before. Creativity is at the heart of TikTok, it is a community where originality and individuality can flourish. In 2020 we saw creators from across the globe spark a knitting revival, through their love of NewGen alumni, JW Anderson's, now iconic cardigan; through this partnership with the BFC we hope to see even more moments of joy like this and inspire a whole new generation of British fashion talent.”

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