Bianca Saunders Is The Latest Recipient Of The BFC/GQ Prize

Early this morning, the British Fashion Council announced Bianca Saunders as the 2024 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund winner. The esteemed award includes a cash prize of £150,000 as well as an esteemed one-year mentoring programme; one that's previously welcomed an impressive roster of winners including Craig Green, Nicholas Daley, Wales Bonner and Ahluwalia.

Saunders is no stranger to the designers whose footsteps she's following, with many of the award's previous winners considered to be Saunders' own contemporaries and even collaborators in fashion. Speaking of this in a statement to press, Saunders noted: '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 Bianca Saunders man is a distinct one, carved and sculpted by Saunders' own pool of references - many of which are inspired by the designer's much-talked-about British and West Indian background - which has now been brought to the world stage. 'Bianca's radical and soulful vision for menswear is thrilling and impactful' reflected deputy global editorial director of GQ Adam Baidawi. 'She's built a whole new fashion perspective while ushering together a global community of fans and creatives'.

It's this new fashion perspective that has seen Saunders take up space in the industry by questioning the notions and tropes of masculinity within her designs. Never quiet in her wish to break down the social constructs that make up the elusive world of menswear, she once told the ex-contributing editor of SHOWstudio Mimma Viglezio that she considers the Bianca Saunders man to be a 'creative polymath, quietly confident in his identity'.

'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', Saunders commented. 'This opportunity allows us to grow and develop into a sustainably thriving business with a lasting impact on our community. London is at the heart of my 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!'

Not her first prize-winning rodeo, Saunders adds this milestone to an already impressive list of accomplishments including the New Establishment Menswear Award in 2023, the ANDAM Grand Prix Fashion Award in 2021 and a spot on Forbes' '30 Under 30' list in 2020. Saunders and her brand were also listed on the BOF 500 list in 2023.

Other prize nominees included LABRUM London, Saul Nash and Bleue Burnham with this year's panel made up by guest judges including Angelo Mitakos and Murray Clark from the GQ team, Tahir Basheer from Sheridans and previous winner Nicholas Daley.