Nicholas Kirkwood Wins Vogue Prize

British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood yesterday scooped up the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. He is the fourth recipient of the award following in the footsteps of Christopher Kane who recently received financial support from luxury giant PPR. Kirkwood beat off competition from fellow upcoming fashion brands Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto, Emilia Wickstead, and Roksanda Ilincic (the latter two are favourites of Kate Middleton).

The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund awards the winner with £200,000 to put towards their business and 18 months of mentoring. In 2010, he missed out on this award to Erdem. Kirkwood studied Fine Art in the late ’90s before working with the milliner Phillip Treacy. It was during this time that he discovered a gap in the market for truly artistic, statement shoes akin to McQueen’s womenswear or Treacy’s hats. He has collaborated with Erdem, Peter Pilotto, and Rodarte to name a few.

I always love his shoes, although confess to never having the budget to buy any, but you can get discounted styles on The Outnet. I love these red and blue sandals (£690) and these printed neon silk heels (£445). You can shop more of Kirkwood’s designs below.