Jonathan Saunders wins fashion gong (+video)

Jonathan Saunders is "so happy" to be the winner of the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2012 awards.

The Scottish designer was up against big names such as Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll, Marios Schwab and Mary Katrantzou, who he beat to receive the accolade.

He has been given £200,000 (NZ$379,900) and will be mentored as he tries to boost his business over the coming year.

"I'm so happy about winning the fund," he told vogue.co.uk.

"The last 12 months have been an exciting time for me and my team and I'm very proud of all their hard work. We have many exciting plans for the near future and this along with the support network provided by the BFC will enable us to achieve our goals."

In all, nine designers made it through to the final. They all had to show the judging panel their latest line and discuss their plans for the future.

Among those who decided the winner were British Vogue editor Alexandra Schulman, UK Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron, Marigay McKee, Joan Burstein and Caroline Rush.

"I am delighted that Jonathan has won this year's award," Alexandra said.

"His recent collections have shown that he is a designer who can provide beautiful clothes that women enjoy wearing and he is in a great position to build on his current success."

Check out a clip of Jonathan Saunders talking about the fashion industry:

- AAP