London-Based Brand Recognized For Its Innovative And Sustainable Designs
The British Fashion Council (BFC) and Vogue have named Chopova Lowena as the winner of the 2024 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The London-based womenswear brand, founded by Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena in 2017, is celebrated for its fusion of folklore and sportswear-inspired designs, notably its pleated and pinned kilt-style skirts, and its use of deadstock fabrics.
Chopova Lowena will receive a cash prize of £150,000 ($190,000) and access to mentorship. The brand was chosen from a shortlist that included Ahluwalia, Knwls, and Nensi Dojaka.
Established in 2008, the Fund provides the winner with financial support to aid business growth and their contributions to both British and global fashion. Additionally, winners receive bespoke high-level business mentoring and professional services, supported by British Vogue, Burberry, and Paul Smith.
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, commented: “Congratulations to Emma and Laura on receiving this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund for Chopova Lowena. We were incredibly impressed by the duo’s bold and sustainable approach to design and craftsmanship. It’s been a pleasure to watch the brand go from strength to strength, gaining a devoted following and attaining cult status over the last few years. I am excited to see their continued impact and creative vision as Chopova Lowena embarks on this new chapter of success. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true reflection of the outstanding creative talent we have here in the UK.”
Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena, Co-Founders of Chopova Lowena, stated: “We are so honoured to be the recipients of the BFC/Vogue Fund this year. We are joined on the shortlist by fellow designers we greatly admire and sit alongside past winners who inspire us daily. The support of the BFC and Vogue means the world to us and we are eternally grateful for this opportunity to continue to grow and develop our brand on a higher level. London is at the core of what Chopova Lowena is about and we feel very proud to be part of this amazing creative community. We are forever thankful to our amazing team who work so hard every day to make our dreams possible. Thank you so much to the incredible panel of judges, we are so excited for the future!”
This year’s judging panel was chaired by Caroline Rush CBE and Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue. The panel included fashion industry experts such as model Alva Claire, stylist Harry Lambert, Ib Kamara (Editor in Chief of Dazed and Art and Image Director of Off-White), Isabel Waterstone (Vice President of Global Marketing at Burberry), Laura Ingham (Deputy Director of Global Fashion Network at British Vogue), Rod Manley (Chief Marketing Officer at Burberry), Sally Britton (Partner at Mishcon de Reya), and fashion editor Susie Lau.
Other shortlisted designers for the 2024 prize included Ahluwalia, Clio Peppiatt, KNWLS, Nensi Dojaka, and Stefan Cooke.