A Scottish designer has been chosen by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for a new prize intended to help him expand his brand.
Jonathan Saunders was chosen for the 2012 Designer Fashion Fund award by the organisation because of his "clear and concise view on the areas in which he hopes to develop his business".
He was selected by a panel of experts and sponsors from a shortlist of nine designers because of his recent catwalk and pre-collections, in addition to "the acclaim that he has received from UK and international media and buyers".
The prize provides £200,000 in cash to help him in achieving his goals over the next 12 months, in addition to a bespoke mentoring programme.
With British Vogue as its headline sponsor, the award is in its third year and has been created to back rising stars in the fashion field to become global brands.
Commenting on his latest prize, British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman stated: "I am delighted that Jonathan has won this year's award. His recent collections have shown that he is a designer who can provide beautiful clothes that women enjoy wearing and he is in a great position to build on his current success."
Born in Scotland, Jonathan Saunders has a BA from the Glasgow School of Art and an MA distinction from Central St Martin’s, with both qualifications in printed textiles. He has previously designed for Pollini and won a 2006 BFC Fashion Enterprise award and the 2007 Elle Style Award Designer of the Year.
In further BFC news, the organisation has revealed that it is working with the British Council on the first-ever International Fashion Showcase to be held during London Fashion Week this month.
A total of 19 embassies and cultural institutes across the capital will promote the work of more than 80 emerging designers, providing access to buyers, members of the public and the press to innovative and emerging talent in the sector.