Introducing The 4 Winners Of The 2025 BFC x NET-A-PORTER & MR PORTER Education Fund
In partnership with the British Fashion Council, the NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER Education Fund provides both financial support and dedicated mentoring to BA fashion graduates
NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER have once again joined forces with the British Fashion Council to nurture the industry’s next generation of designers through The Education Fund. Final-year BA students studying at a network of UK universities within the BFC Colleges Council and selected international institutions are eligible to apply, and the winners receive both monetary support and mentoring with industry leaders.
This year’s deserving recipients include Ayham Musleh from University of the Arts London: Central Saints Martins; Sabrina Nieddu from University of Brighton; Sam Brown from Leeds Arts University; and Duncan Brown Fleming from The Glasgow School of Art. And here, the judging panel reflect on what impressed them most about these four future visionaries.
Anna Jewsbury, Completedworks artistic director
“The standard of talent we saw was incredibly high, which made the judging process both inspiring and genuinely difficult. What really stood out about those we selected was a sense of clarity – both in terms of design language and in the way they understood the world they are stepping into. There was an ability to articulate a point of view, to connect their creative output with a wider context whether cultural, social or environmental. That kind of self-awareness and intentionality feels essential today.
“[My advice to those wanting to start a brand is to] start by asking yourself why you’re doing it. If your only answer is ‘because I want a brand’, that’s not necessarily going to be enough. You need a reason that can carry you through the challenging and messy parts, because there will be many. Secondly, treat constraints as your allies – whether they be limited resources, time or access. These are often the very things that push you towards more original ideas that work for you. Finally, think long-term. The industry can reward short bursts of visibility, but building something meaningful requires patience. Define your values early and let them shape everything – from product to tone of voice to how you choose collaborators.”
Chris Amfo, Circle Zero Eight contributing editor
“There was an abundance of talent, which made it very difficult to choose, but I was most impressed by the recipients’ understanding of the challenges they face as young designers and independent business owners. They were very open about what they feel their weaknesses are and how they will benefit from the mentoring and support that the Education Fund offers. Starting a brand never comes as an overnight success, and we often don’t see a lot of the challenges that go on behind the scenes. Anyone looking to set up their own brand should have a good understanding of all the integral departments involved beyond the creative roles.”
Katie Rawle, BFC head of designer initiatives and membership
“Between the four winners, it feels like they manage to cover so many of the key tenets of excellence in fashion and design: from craftsmanship in some of the most intricately developed textiles to beautiful draping and tailoring; an impressive understanding of brand and luxury; design concepts that masterfully ask and answer questions about identity and the human experience; and work that not only represents communities and disappearing skills, but acts as cultural preservation in the most moving way in these extraordinary geo-political times. It is always inspiring and motivating to witness what these talented emerging designer-makers are creating and saying with their work, and I look forward to watching each of their journeys take shape.”
Liza Canneford, MR PORTER director of private labels & circular services
“While all the candidates presented exceptional portfolios, it was the expression of personal journey and demonstration of craft that set the four winners apart. Ayham Musleh’s incredible work expressing his upbringing in Palestine through his collaborations with local artisans was truly breathtaking; he is a talent to watch in the future. Sabrina Nieddu describes the garments she creates as ‘vessels of memory and connection’, which resonated strongly with the judging panel. The journey of transition was elegantly embodied by Sam Brown’s work, incredible illustrations and manipulation of fabrics that demonstrated a blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. The theme of innovation in garments rooted in craftsmanship was also evident in the work of Duncan Brown Fleming, creating what appears to be a tailored suit from soft knitwear, challenging the wearers expectations.”
Gillian Brett, NET-A-PORTER head of fashion content
“To have applied for this fund shows real commitment, foresight and passion. What ultimately set the recipients apart – alongside their clear creative talent – was taking it one step further by envisioning how the monetary support could be put to practical use to launch a brand, and what they would gain through the mentorship program. Boundless creativity is a gift, but having business acumen or cultivating a support network to advise on business matters is key for budding creative directors – and I’m excited to see where this year’s cohort go from here.”
Tamison O’Connor, ELLE UK fashion features director
“I was so impressed by the raw talent and creativity on display. I loved the approaches to fashion design, which were really rooted in storytelling and emotion. Each of the fund recipients presented such powerful visions, I can’t wait to see what they do next.”