The scheme supports emerging designers who have advanced through the NEWGEN stage. Winners receive two consecutive seasons of show funding and access to business mentoring through the BFC.

‘I’m thrilled to have the support of the BFC and be part of the scheme,’ Holland told ELLE. ‘We are continuing to grow the business, and for me the most invaluable part of being part of this is the business mentoring and backing that it will provide. It’s fantastic.’

Long is the first menswear designer to win Fashion Forward support. Previous participants include , , and . In 2011, Meadham Kirchhoff, Peter Pilotto and Todd Lynn received the sponsorship.

BFC CEO Caroline Rush called this year’s Fashion Forward crop ‘an exceptionally talented group of designers.’

‘2012 is set to be a momentous year not only for [the] fashion industry but the UK and I am looking forward to seeing Henry, Louise, James and Mary taking strides in their business development,’ she said.

Check out the autumn/winter 2012 NEWGEN lineup