Apart from the £100,000 prize, which will be used to support Saunders’ business growth, the award also includes 12 months of pro-bono business mentoring from the the BFC Fashion Business Network and legal services from media and technology law firm Sheridans.
Alongside Saunders, a Drapers 30 under 30 alumna, this year’s shortlist included Labrum London, Saul Nash and Bleue Burnham, who were evaluated by a judging panel co-chaired by Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC and Adam Baidawi, head of editorial content at British GQ. The panel included GQ fashion editor Angelo Mitakos, GQ senior style editor Murray Clark, Sheridans partner Tahir Basheer and fashion designer Nicholas Daley.
Last year’s BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund was awarded to Grace Wales Bonner, founder of the Wales Bonner men’s and womenswear label.
Saunders launched her eponymous menswear label after graduating from The Royal College of Art in 2017. In 2021, she was featured in Drapers’ annual 30 Under 30 list, won the French ANDAM prize the same year, and in 2023 dressed American musician Usher for the Met Gala. Between 2021 and 2024 Saunders expanded her team from two to 10 people and double the number of stockists to 40 premium retailers worldwide, including Selfridges, Browns, and Machine-A in the UK.
Saunders said: “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.
“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.”
BFC’s Rush said: “We were extremely impressed with [Saunders’] 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.”