Greek designer Mary Katrantzou has scooped the 2015 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund prize, beating an impressive shortlist of competitors including Holly Fulton, Michael van der Ham, Mother of Pearl, Sophia Webster, Osman and Emilia Wickstead.

The fund, now in its sixth year, provides the winning designer with a high-level mentoring support program for 12 months and a grant of 200,000 pounds, to pay for the infrastructure that will allow them to take the next step in business.

“Mary Katrantzou is incredibly deserving of this year’s award,” said Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue and chair of the fund. “It was an extremely diverse short list, but ultimately, we all agreed that Mary has not only created a strong and hugely appealing identity for her work, but has put in place measures that, along with the support of this prize, should ensure an exciting and successful next stage of her career.”