New Gen vow from Topshop

Topshop managing director Mary Homer pledged the chain's continued support for the British Fashion Council's New Generation initiative, as the 20 designers receiving sponsorship for September's London Fashion Week (LFW) were announced.

Speaking at a launch in east London this week, Homer said that British-trained designers were "the heartbeat of the fashion world".

House of Holland's Henry Holland, who was awarded catwalk sponsorship for the first time, said it was "a real honour". Holland staged a self-funded on-schedule show last season, but said the sponsorship would enable him to concentrate on his collection rather than seeking funding and overseeing the logistics of a show.

Other winners of the catwalk sponsorship were Louise Goldin, Danielle Scutt, MeadhamKirchhoff and Peter Pilotto.

Designer Hannah Marshall, who received exhibition sponsorship for the third season, said designers benefited from the exposure at LFW, as well as the business and PR support.

Anna Vince, Borba Margo, Cooperative Designs, David David, Emilio de la Morena, Felder Felder, Krystof Strozyna, Mary Katrantzou, Untitled, Nicholas Kirkwood and Peter Pilotto were among those who also won exhibition support. Nasir Mazhar won event sponsorship.

London Fashion Week takes place on September 14-19.