BGF backs Sophia Webster

British accessories designer Sophia Webster secured a £4m investment from BGF to help accelerate its international growth plans.

Sophia founded her eponymous label in 2012, and ever since then sales of her statement shoes and handbags have grown significantly with each year. Having become known for combining feminine design with a sophisticated approach, Sophia’s signature styles have made their mark on the global fashion industry. In 2016, Sophia Webster won the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award – becoming the second shoe designer in history to receive this prestigious prize.

Sophia’s collections have an international presence and are distributed in over 200 retailers worldwide. In the next phase of growth, the brand plans to deepen and expand its partnerships with leading retailers, open more stores globally in key destinations, and continue the growth of its eCommerce business.

The company is led by Founder and Creative Director Sophia Webster and her husband and Managing Director, Bobby Stockley. As part of the investment, BGF introduced the team to Peter Williams, who was subsequently appointed as Non-Executive Chairman. Peter is Non-Executive Chairman of Boohoo, former CEO of Selfridges and former Non-Executive Director of ASOS.