JW Anderson

Today the British Fashion Council announced the winners of the BFC NEWGEN MEN scheme sponsored by Topman. The designers, who will receive sponsorship from the system, include: Christopher Shannon, James Long, and JW Anderson on the catwalk, Carolyn Massey, Lou Dalton and Sibling for presentations and Christopher Raeburn, James Small, Katie Eary and Omar Kashoura with installations.

BFC NEWGEN MEN was launched in 2009, developing from 'MAN', the menswear day held at London Fashion Week, and will provide up and coming menswear talent with the official BFC Catwalk Show Space at Somerset House, as well as funding to raise their profile. The initiative will run from the 17th to the 22nd of September, while Carolyn Massey, Christopher Raeburn, James Long, Katie Eary, Lou Dalton and Omar Kashoura will also show in Paris with sponsorship from LONDON showROOMS between the 24th and 27th of June.

The British Fashion Council has announced the names of the recipients of its designer support initiative under its NEWGEN MEN scheme. Launched earlier this year, the initiative aides designers by providing funding to enable them to showcase their work at London Fashion Week, as well as access to use of the BFC Catwalk Show Space at Somerset House. Like its sister scheme, NEWGEN, which is sponsored by Topshop, NEWGEN MEN is sponsored by Topman and follows on from the MAN show, which offers designers similar sponsorship and business assistance.

This shortlist for the coming autumn/winter 2010 NEWGEN MEN includes Carolyn Massey, whose designs have been described as "quintessentially English", Christopher Shannon, known for his "luxe sportswear inspired collection and wearable collaborations with Eastpak and Topman, as well as LFW credentials having shown as part of the MAN initiative'", James Long, for "his ability to push the boundaries whilst creating truly wearable pieces", and J.W. Anderson, whose "intriguing silhouettes and romantic detailing have affirmed his stature as one of the most promising emerging menswear designers in London."

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Most non-freelancers, when asked how they came to become freelancers, simply say that they 'fell into it' and are never quite clear on or sure of, how it is they got there in the first place. As a topic which is rarely explored, few people can truly understand, and often underestimate the rigorous lifestyle of a freelancer. So we thought we'd go beyond this particular 'velvet rope' and explore life as a freelancer in London. More so, we thought who better to hang out with, than a lady who has been simmering under the radar for a while, quietly stocking up achievements, until now. Welcome Miss Lisa King. Unknown by name but known by print (Lisa designed the prints for the Osman Spring/Summer 2010 collection at this season's London Fashion Week).

Educated at the prestigious Cheltenham Ladies' College, King had initially thought a professional career beckoned her. She soon found this to be farther from the truth and subsequently enrolled at and successfully graduated from Central St. Martins. During her first year, fate decided to shine some light on her burgeoning career in the form of what was originally supposed to be a three week stint to act as assistant stylist for Kylie Minogue's Show Girl Homecoming tour and subsequently Britney Spears' world tour, courtesy of William Baker. "I actually started working for William in my first year at St Martins. I was living with a friend who was dancing for Kylie at the time (Lisa is also a dancer), and asked William if he needed any help over the Easter break. The day of reckoning came soon after and we met in Soho. It was all so exciting, Kylie had just performed at G-A-Y, the office was covered in stripy costumes and sequins. Judy Blame, a legendary stylist, with whom William shared an office, was making his signature jewellery in the basement, assisting him were Richard Nicoll and Christopher Shannon (both now hot young British designers), and Frank Strachan (who is now Cheryl Cole's stylist)."

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Guys all over the world were jealous when Gap launched their women's Design Edition White Shirts designed by the likes of Band of Outsiders. Don't worry guys, you can trust Topman to be on the case. Yersterday, the high street shop held a private viewing of cool, customised basic tops by designers Richard Chai, Phillip Lim, Christopher Shannon, Juun J, JW Anderson and Henry Holland.