Bianca Saunders, a prominent British menswear designer, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund.
- In addition to a substantial £100,000 cash prize, Saunders will benefit from a year of pro-bono business mentoring and legal services.
- Saunders was selected from a competitive shortlist, featuring industry talents like Labrum London and Saul Nash.
- The judging panel included notable figures such as Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, and Adam Baidawi from British GQ.
- Previously celebrated as a Drapers 30 under 30 alumna, Saunders has achieved rapid growth for her brand since 2017.
Bianca Saunders, acclaimed British menswear designer, has been awarded the esteemed 2024 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. The award includes a significant £100,000 to support Saunders’ business growth. Additionally, she will receive 12 months of pro-bono business mentoring through the BFC Fashion Business Network and legal services from the law firm Sheridans.
Saunders emerged as the winner from a competitive shortlist that included Labrum London, Saul Nash, and Bleue Burnham. The selection was made by a distinguished panel co-chaired by Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, and Adam Baidawi, head of editorial content at British GQ. Other panel members included GQ fashion editor Angelo Mitakos and Sheridans partner Tahir Basheer.
Last year’s fund winner was Grace Wales Bonner, highlighting the calibre of designers recognised by this award. Bianca Saunders launched her own menswear label after graduating from The Royal College of Art in 2017. In 2021, she was named in Drapers’ 30 Under 30 list, clinched the French ANDAM prize the same year, and notably dressed musician Usher for the Met Gala in 2023.
From 2021 to 2024, Bianca Saunders successfully expanded her team from two to ten members and doubled her stockists to 40 high-end retailers worldwide, such as Selfridges and Browns in the UK. She expressed immense gratitude for the recognition, stating, “To join the ranks of past winners who inspire me daily is a dream come true.” Bianca also emphasised the significance of the support from the BFC and GQ in achieving sustainable business growth.
Caroline Rush, commenting on Saunders’ achievement, praised her attention to detail and craftsmanship. Rush remarked that Saunders’ hard work in positioning her brand at the forefront of menswear design is highly commendable. The award celebrates groundbreaking creative talent in the UK, as demonstrated by all shortlisted designers.
Bianca Saunders’ award victory signifies her remarkable contribution and potential in the fashion industry.
