Introducing The 4 Winners Of NET-A-PORTER’s Vanguard Education Fund

The Vanguard Education Fund sees NET-A-PORTER join forces with the British Fashion Council to identify and nurture the industry’s next generation of innovators. Final-year BA students studying at UK universities within the BFC Colleges Council and selected international institutions (Parsons School of Design and ESMOD) were eligible to apply.

In June, finalists from Central Saint Martins, Parsons School of Design, Manchester Fashion Institute, and De Montfort University were invited to a judging day, where four winners were selected by a prolific panel including Tank magazine’s CEO and fashion director Caroline Issa; Perfect magazine’s creative director Jeanie Annan-Lewin; British Fashion Council head of designer initiatives and membership Katie Rawle, designer Nensi Dojaka, The Fashion Archive’s editor-in-chief Odunayo Ojo; and NET-A-PORTER’s market director Libby Page.

The deserving winners – Christopher De La Cruz, Izzy McKinlay, Tahar Al-Shekhly and Tj Finley – were each awarded a £12,500 bursary fund and paired with two of the fund’s influential mentors, an impressive list that includes designers Priya Ahluwalia, Elin Kling (co-founder of Toteme), Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant (founders of Coperni); fashion editor and consultant Camille Charrière; fashion consultant and entrepreneur Yoyo Cao; founder of Up Next Designer Albert Ayal; plus NET-A-PORTER’s content director Alice Casely-Hayford and market director Libby Jane Page.

Read on to learn more about the fund and get to know the four winners, as they share their design aesthetic and the vision behind their work. Plus, this year’s mentors reveal why they wanted to be involved in the initiative.

“Being welcomed into a community of emerging designers who share a common vision for a world that embraces fluidity, diversity and sustainability is truly inspiring. Together, we can drive positive change in the fashion industry and beyond. Unapologetically authentic, my creations expose the essence of who we are, leaving no room for concealment. They invite us to embrace our true selves, radiating strength, sensuality and happiness. Each garment becomes a vessel for cherished memories, encapsulating our unique identities.”

“My work is an exploration into tangled memories, muted landscapes and abstract silhouettes. Inspired by the nostalgia of Australia’s Blue Mountains and coastal terrain where I would ride my motorcycle alongside my brothers, I hope to capture this movement – a sense of speed and directional motion. My designs integrate discarded mechanical pieces sourced from local mechanics and 3D-printed abstract shapes using filament made from ocean waste. Reclaimed parachuting fabric, second-hand outdoor climbing material and cactus ‘leather’ are the basis of each garment.”

“The aesthetic of my work is rooted in the exploration and portrayal of masculinity in contemporary society. Although the specific style and visual language are still evolving, the core objective is to capture the essence of present-day men. I hope that my garments resonate with people by provoking thought, introspection and dialogue around the concept of masculinity. I aspire to challenge preconceived notions, broaden understanding and ignite conversations about the diverse experiences and identities within the male spectrum.”

“My designs encourage people to confront their animalistic side and explore their vulnerabilities. The raw, transgressive nature of my work isn’t a gimmick or done for shock value – it is authentically woven within me. Because I am queer and working class, I have learnt to survive, and survival means you can become unhinged, fearless and ready to challenge those who try to break you down. I am planning on using the prize money for a fashion show in collaboration with queer creatives, so we can all have a platform where ideas and concepts can become reality.”

Creative director Sébastien Meyer and CEO Arnaud Vaillant founded Coperni in 2013. In 2015, they were appointed co-creative directors at Courrèges until deciding to relaunch Coperni in 2018. Today, their brand is known for its minimal, subversive designs, which are inspired by modernism and technology – and, in case anyone needs reminding, they were the masterminds behind that viral Bella Hadid spray-on-dress moment at Paris Fashion Week last October.

An editorial expert with a keen eye for sharp storytelling, Alice Casely-Hayford held positions at Refinery29 and British Vogue before commencing her current role as content director at NET-A-PORTER. “It’s essential that we nurture and make generous space for the talent of tomorrow, as they are the future of fashion,” she says. “Historically, the industry has been an exclusive and impenetrable place, but the welcoming of creatives from all different backgrounds has been a wonderful thing to witness. Similarly, it has been exciting to see the next generation of fashion prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity and authenticity in their craft, so it is paramount that we help the new generation bring its vision to life in a meaningful way.”