Menswear designers win Fashion Forward Award 2012

Four menswear designers have been awarded the 2012 Fashion Forward sponsorship – Christopher Shannon, E Tautz, J W Anderson and James Long. This is the first time that the award has been given solely to menswear designers.

The winners

J W Anderson was originally from Northern Ireland and graduated in menswear from the London College of Fashion. He was selected to show within the MAN showcase for two seasons and received NEWGEN sponsorship to show at the autumn/winter 2010 London Fashion Week. As well as working on his own label, Anderson is Creative Director of the men’s label Sunspel.
Christopher Shannon was born in Liverpool and gained an MA Menswear from Central Saint Martins. He had a successful partnership with Eastpak for many years. After graduating he was selected to show at London Fashion week by the MAN panel and continued to progress through the NEWGEN scheme. He won the Dunhill Menswear Award in 2008. His brand is stocked in over 20 stores worldwide.
E Tautz was founded in the late 1800’s. In 1968 it was incorporated into the Savile Row firm Norton and Sons. Since 2005, Patrick Grant has been running the bespoke tailoring house.
James Long was the first menswear designer to receive Fashion Forward sponsorship last season. He graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in menswear and accessories. After working in New York he set up his own label in London.

The award

The award winners are each given a cash prize towards their spring/summer 2013 collections which they will to show at the new London Collections: Men. They also receive business support from the British Fashion Council. Fashion Forward is supported by the Mayor of London. Its purpose is to support emerging British designers and the development of their businesses in London.