London-based womenswear brand Chopova Lowena has been named the winner of the 2024 British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

Founded by Central Saint Martins graduates Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena in 2017, Chopova Lowena is known for its mixture of folksy and sportswear design elements — seen in its popular pleated and pinned kilt-style skirt — and use of deadstock fabrics.

The designers will receive a cash prize of £150,000 ($190,000) and access to mentorship. Ahluwalia, Knwls and Nensi Dojaka were among the labels shortlisted for the prize.

”This duo has built a real community around their brand and the cult of their signature carabiner skirts is a testament to what they do,” said Chioma Nnadi, British Vogue’s head of editorial content. “When it comes to a creative vision, they’ve fearlessly marched to the beat of their own drum, challenging conventional fashion system rules.”

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16Arlington Wins BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2023

Emerging British label 16Arlington, founded by Marco Capaldo and the late Federica “Kikka” Cavenati, has been awarded this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund prize, receiving a £150,000 cash prize and business mentoring.