A toast to the Talent Launch Pad winners

British Fashion Council Chief Executive Caroline Rush and ELLE Publisher Rita Lewis introduced the winners of the 2011 BFC/ ELLE Talent Launch Pad initiative to show-going society with a champagne reception on Friday afternoon.

By ELLE UK and NonePublished: 16 September 2011

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ELLE as a fashion brand is committed to seeking out and supporting fresh creative talent, Lewis told the assembled press and buyers. The Talent Launch Pad is very important to us, because it is an expression of our core values.

Rush invited the crowd to explore exhibition spaces showcasing the work of Claudia Catzeflis, Saloni, Sophie Hulme and Vassilisa. Theyre an extraordinary group of four women who have exceptional designs, she said.

The winners of the scheme guided visitors around their booths before pausing to appreciate their situations.

Hulme, whose gold-plated handbags and neat-shouldered coats have earned her space in Selfridges, said that the support came at a crucial time for her business.

Everyones been ringing me, she said. You spend quite a long time working on it on your own, and to have such important people support you is just massive.

Before winning the scheme, Hulme considered getting an assistant her breakthrough moment. That really changed my life, she said. Now, she plans to use the BFC/ELLE support as a springboard to expand her bag line and expand into other accessory categories.

Catzeflis ran a boutique in East London before turning her hand to womenswear. The newly minted designer said she couldnt envision a better platform from which to launch her first collection.

The combination of being featured in ELLE and having a stockist is really a solid foundation for the business Catzeflis agreed. Its great recognition. When youre starting out, its a long road, and you need a bit of confidence.

When I had the interview, someone from the panel who is on the BFC bought a piece, she said. That really was such a big deal for me.

Find out more about the BFC/ELLE Talent L

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