On Tuesday 15th June 2021, the BFC Community of fashion, film and art industries gathered at the Hyde Park’s Serpentine Gallery, London, to celebrate Priya Ahluwalia, Founder of Ahluwalia, who is the 2021 recipient of the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund. Following designers including Craig Green, Samuel Ross and Christopher Shannon. Ahluwalia will receive a 12-month bespoke high-level business mentoring programme, pro-bono legal services from Sheridans and a £150,000 cash prize.
Upon winning the award, Ahluwalia said “There are so many amazing designers that have come before me. They're all people that I really look up to so it's amazing to join that roster. Also to be able to be recognised for what we're doing at the brand. I'm just so grateful because the fund's going to enable me to take the brand to the next level and continue doing amazing stuff. I'm just really happy.” Thank you to those BFC Foundation Patrons who came out in support of Ahluwalia and the other shortlisted brands who attended, including: Bethany Willians, Stefan Cooke, Feng Chen Wang, Bianca Saunders and Nicholas Daley.
Established in 2013, the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund aims to celebrate exceptional talent and empower businesses to play their part in positive growth through bespoke high-level business mentoring and professional services and awarding of a cash prize.
The BFC recognises the value of positive growth, talent and excellence in design. Part of the vision around how to reset the industry includes understanding the breadth of fashion business models, with this in mind the criteria for this fund has been updated to reflect excellence in talent and positive development within businesses.
Since its inception, winners of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund include Ahluwalia (2021), A-COLD-WALL* (2019), Craig Green (2016), E Tautz (2015) and Christopher Shannon (2014).
The BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund is part of the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152) which brings all of the BFC’s charitable initiatives under one umbrella supporting the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on three areas: Education, Grant-Giving & Business Mentoring and Institute of Positive Fashion.
Clearpay will support the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund as Official Partner. With payment processes integral to supporting growth for designer businesses, BFC and Clearpay will align to drive the fashion and retail industry forward in 2022.
Official Partner: Clearpay