Aaron Esh, Derrick, and Kazan Asker join BFC Newgen list

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
May 4, 2023

The British Fashion Council has revealed the list of its NewGen recipients for 2023/24 in the emerging talent support and showcasing initiative’s 30th anniversary year.

The celebration of that anniversary also comes with a landmark exhibition at the Design Museum in London supported by Principal Sponsor Alexander McQueen.

This year, the recipients include new names Aaron Esh, Derrick, Kazan Asker, The Winter House, and Tolu Coker.

Existing recipients who will benefit again this time include Ancuta Sarca, Chet Lo, Conner Ives, Di Petra, Eftychia, Feben, Harri, Helen Kirkum, Labrum London, Leo Carlton, Masha Popover, Paolo Carzana, Robyn Lynch, SS Daley, Saul Nash, Sinéad O’Dwyer, and Yuhan Wang.

They’ll get financial grants, showcasing opportunities and individual mentoring and training sessions to assist them as they develop their business infrastructure and skills. 

Caroline Rush, BFC chief executive, said: “A huge congratulations to the 23/24 recipients. BFC NewGen is unique and a true recognition of the UK as a launchpad for creative talent who go on to lead the industry globally. Celebrating this year's recipients is all the more exciting in light of the 30th anniversary of the initiative. We are focused on creating an environment for creative and innovative businesses to succeed, and continue to nurture socially responsive and dynamic designers at the zeitgeist of British culture.”

And BFC ambassador for emerging talent Sarah Mower added: “NewGen is a foundation of London's reputation for continually producing and uplifting young talent of all kinds, from everywhere. What is extremely moving and impressive about this generation is that they are activists; they are committed to sustainability, equality, and equal opportunity and that's something we're really proud of.”

The applications for the list opened in January and were judged by a panel that included senior representatives from the BFC, Browns, Elle UK, Alexander McQueen, and Machine-A, among others.