We are delighted to announce Bianca Saunders as the winner of the 2024 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund (BFC/GQDFF). Established in 2013, the BFC/GQDFF provides the winner with a cash prize of £100,000 to support business growth and their contribution to the British and global fashion ecosystem, as well as pro-bono bespoke high-level business mentoring and professional services. The Fund also receives the very generous support of BFC Foundation Patrons, the Trustees of the Charity, Sheridans who provide pro-bono legal services, as well as Zedonk, the BFC Fashion Business Network and our one-to-one mentors.
Bianca Saunders launched her eponymous menswear label after graduating from The Royal College of Art in 2017. The brand seamlessly combines tradition and modernity while blurring the lines between masculine and feminine design aspects. Bianca’s designs are deeply rooted in the rich social tapestry of Anglo-Caribbean relations, focusing personally on her British-Caribbean roots and viewing clothing as a dynamic expression of self.
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, commented: “Congratulations to Bianca on receiving this year’s BFC/GQDFF. We were extremely impressed with her incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship. Bianca has worked incredibly hard to position the brand at the forefront of menswear design today, and it’s been so inspiring to watch Bianca and her brand grow over the years. Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers who are a true testament to the ground-breaking creative talent we have in the UK”.
Adam Baidawi, Head of Editorial Content, British GQ & Deputy Global Editorial Director, GQ commented: “It gives me great pleasure to present this year’s BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund to Bianca Saunders. Bianca's radical and soulful vision for menswear is thrilling and impactful – she's built a whole new fashion perspective, while ushering together a global community of fans and creatives. Bianca was celebrated in our GQ Men of the Year Honourees list last year, a tribute to her impact on culture. We are delighted to once again celebrate one of Britain's most exciting menswear designers”.
Bianca Saunders, Founder of Bianca Saunders, commented: “I am incredibly honoured to be the winner of the BFC/GQDFF this year. To be a finalist among designers I greatly admire and to join the ranks of past winners who inspire me daily is a dream come true. The support from the BFC and GQ means the world to my team and me. Having great guidance from them and mentorship alongside the support was needed for our next stage. This opportunity allows us to grow and develop Bianca Saunders into a sustainably thriving business with a lasting impact on our community. London is at the heart of the Bianca Saunders brand, and it has helped us achieve global recognition. I am proud to be part of the vibrant creativity that thrives here. Our community is about being seen, artistic, and cool yet understated. We aim to continue this vision with a flourishing business that fosters a strong sense of community. I am eternally grateful to my amazing team, who work tirelessly to make our dreams a reality. Thank you to the incredible panel of judges; I am so excited for the future!”
This year’s judging panel was chaired by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council and Adam Baidawi, Head of Editorial Content, British GQ & Deputy Global Editorial Director, GQ. The panel comprised of experts from across the fashion industry: Angelo Mitakos, Fashion Editor, GQ, Murray Clark, Senior Style Editor, GQ, Tahir Basheer, Partner, Sheridans and Nicholas Daley, Designer and Founder, Nicholas Daley.
Also shortlisted for the 2024 prize were Bleue Burnham, LABRUM London and Saul Nash.