The annual BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund was awarded to London designer Bianca Saunders. The prize honors British-based designers with prize money of 150,000 British pounds and a mentoring program. The award is part of the BFC Foundation’s collection of awards and programs. This was created to support “the development of commercially resilient British fashion businesses”. Saunders beat off strong competition from Britain’s most up-and-coming designers, including Aaron Esh, Clio Peppiatt, Knwls, Onalaja and Talia Byre.
“Congratulations to Bianca, whose work is not only culturally relevant, but also aesthetically pleasing and unmistakably London in spirit,” said Laura Weir, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the British Fashion Council and chair of this year’s jury. “She represents the best of British fashion talent, combining a strong creative vision with exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling. We look forward to supporting her continued growth and ensuring the next generation of British designers are not only discovered but sustainably nurtured.”
Saunders founded her eponymous label after graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2017. She previously won the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund in 2024 and the ANDAM Grand Prix Fashion Award in 2021. As part of the ANDAM Prize, she received business mentoring from the Chief Executive Officer of Balenciaga. She was also awarded the New Establishment Menswear Award in 2023.
“I have worked tirelessly to create a creative world that resonates with our community,” said Saunders. “The Fund’s support will be transformative! It will enable us to accelerate growth and deepen our commitment to craftsmanship, enabling us to realize the brand’s full vision on a global scale. I am incredibly grateful to the BFC and Vogue for supporting British design and providing the resources to truly compete at the highest level.”
Previous BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund winners include Conner Ives, Chopova Lowena, 16Arlington, Richard Quinn, Bethany Williams, Wales Bonner, Molly Goddard, Mother of Pearl and Palmer//Harding, Sophia Webster, Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto, Nicholas Kirkwood, Christopher Kane and Erdem.
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