Bianca Saunders, a British menswear designer, has garnered significant recognition by becoming the latest recipient of the esteemed BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. Her award-winning journey marks a notable achievement in the fashion industry.
- The BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund offers a £100,000 cash prize to Bianca Saunders to aid her business expansion.
- In addition to the cash award, Saunders will receive a year of pro-bono business mentoring and legal services.
- Bianca Saunders, an alumna of Drapers’ 30 Under 30, stood out amongst a competitive shortlist of designers.
- Bianca Saunders’ recognition follows her substantial contributions to menswear, including her impact on international retailers.
Bianca Saunders, a distinguished British menswear designer, has made a remarkable impact by securing the esteemed BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund for 2024. This prestigious accolade includes a £100,000 cash prize designed to propel her business growth in the fiercely competitive fashion industry.
The award transcends financial support, providing Saunders with invaluable resources such as a year’s worth of pro-bono business mentoring from the BFC Fashion Business Network and expert legal services from Sheridans, a renowned media and technology law firm. This comprehensive support package is designed to nurture Saunders’ business acumen and facilitate sustainable growth.
Saunders, who was featured in Drapers’ 30 Under 30 list, emerged as the winner from a distinguished group of contenders. The shortlist included Labrum London, Saul Nash, and Bleue Burnham, who were scrutinized by a seasoned panel co-chaired by Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, and Adam Baidawi, head of editorial content at British GQ.
The judging panel, comprised of fashion experts such as GQ’s Angelo Mitakos and Murray Clark, alongside Sheridans’ Tahir Basheer and designer Nicholas Daley, emphasized Saunders’ exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship as key factors in her selection.
Bianca Saunders’ journey in the fashion industry began with the launch of her menswear label post-graduation from The Royal College of Art in 2017. Since then, her brand has gained significant traction; between 2021 and 2024, she expanded her team from two to ten members and doubled her stockists to 40 premier retailers globally, including Selfridges and Machine-A in the UK.
Saunders expressed immense gratitude for the recognition, stating, “To join the ranks of past winners who inspire me daily is a dream come true.” She highlighted the importance of mentorship and support in her brand’s evolution towards becoming a community-oriented and sustainably thriving business. Her vision is to cultivate a business environment that is both artistic and understated, resonating with her community’s ethos.
BFC’s Caroline Rush praised Saunders’ dedication, remarking on her unwavering effort to position her brand at the forefront of menswear design. Rush extended congratulations not only to Saunders but also to the entire cohort of shortlisted designers, acknowledging their groundbreaking contributions to the UK’s creative fashion landscape.
Bianca Saunders’ triumph in the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund underscores her significant influence and promise in the menswear fashion domain.
