Christopher Bailey Named Fashion Fringe's New Chair

By Lindsey Schickner 03/08/12 at 01:00 PM

Photo: Getty Images

Burberry designer Christopher Bailey is named the new chair of Fashion Fringe.

As if Christopher Bailey weren't busy enough heading up Britain's most iconic and successful brand, Burberry’s chief creative officer has just been named chair of Fashion Fringe for the next two years.

Fashion Fringe, organized by fashion writer Colin McDowell and IMG Fashion, is an annual contest that aims to find and nurture emerging British designers.

Bailey's role as chair will include judging, selecting and mentoring three finalists and the winners of the 2012 and 2013 awards, which will be unveiled during London Fashion Week in September.

McDowell told WWD, “He [Chistopher Bailey] is young, and Burberry has a long and trusted tradition, and that pleases me enormously as youth and longevity are entirely what motivate and drive Fashion Fringe. I believe that Christopher and Burberry will offer great inspiration to our candidates in Fashion Fringe for the next two years whilst encouraging them to boldly step out and create their own vision and originality.”

Designers to hold the position before Bailey include heavy hitters like Donatella Versace and Tom Ford, and past winners and finalists include names like Erdem and Basso & Brooke.

Fashion Fringe will start taking applications for the 2012 awards starting March 12th on its website, fashionfringe.co.uk.