Are You The Next McQueen?

IF you think you might be the next Alexander McQueen,Giles Deacon or Christopher Kane, it's time to apply for your place in fashion history.

The British Fashion Council is accepting applications, from today, for its New Generation sponsorship scheme.Designers who have been in the business for no more than three years can apply for financial help to put on a catwalk show duringLondon Fashion Week in September - the first to be held at Somerset House - or to show at the adjacent exhibition.

Set up in 1993 and currently sponsored by Topshop, the scheme has helped many of British fashion's biggest names on their way with business advice as well as the cash needed for a designer to establish themselves.Applicants are assessed and chosen by a select panel of the industry's opinion formers.

"NEWGEN has a reputation for showcasing the world's most innovative and exciting new talents," says chief executive of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush - who shares the role with Simon Ward.

Apply here www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/newgen before May 1 2009.Good luck.