The British Fashion Council Foundation has awarded Grace Wales Bonner the prestigious BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, recognizing her exceptional talent and creativity. This fund aims to empower businesses by offering personalized, top-tier business mentoring and professional services.
Grace Wales Bonner emerged victorious from a competitive shortlist of designers, which included Bianca Saunders, AGR, Bleue Burnham, and paria/FARZANEH, showcasing her mastery in crafting contemporary menswear collections. As part of this esteemed recognition, she will receive a tailored 12-month business mentoring program, pro-bono legal services from Sheridans, and a cash prize of £100,000.
Expressing her gratitude, Wales Bonner stated, “I am very grateful to have been awarded the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. It is a great affirmation for myself and my team as we continue on our journey. Receiving this kind of support is very meaningful to us as an independent brand. As ever, I would like to say a special thank you to all of our supporters and collaborators.”
The panel responsible for selecting the winner was chaired by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, and Adam Baidawi, Head of Editorial Content at British GQ & Deputy Global Editorial Director at GQ. Comprising industry experts, the panel included Damien Paul, Head of Menswear Buying at Matchesfashion.com; Laurent Malecaze, CEO of Dunhill; Leah Abbott, Stylist; Murray Clark, Senior Style Editor at GQ; Samuel Ross, Founder of A-COLD-WALL* and 2019 Winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund; and Tan France, Fashion Designer, TV Personality, and Author.
Caroline Rush CBE commented: “We are delighted to announce the brilliant Grace as this year’s winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. Her brand stands out for having created a space for a cultural conversation that inspires future generations. Her intellectual approach to design has resulted in multiple collaborations across the creative space, exploring music with Kendrick Lamar, art with Lubaina Himid, and sportswear with Adidas, demonstrating the brand’s clear ability to resonate with consumers and achieve commercial success.”
Adam Baidawi, from GQ, expressed his immense privilege in presenting this year’s BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund to Grace Wales Bonner, an extraordinary talent with a brilliantly defined vision. Grace is reshaping the very concept of luxury fashion houses and challenging the perception of who luxury is meant for. She epitomizes modern creativity, with her ambition, collaboration, and global perspective. Earlier this year, we honored Grace at GQ’s Global Creativity Awards, and we are delighted to once again acknowledge, support, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of her and her team.
The illustrious recipients of the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund in previous years include Nicholas Daley (2022), Ahluwalia (2021), A-COLD-WALL* (2019), Craig Green (2016), E Tautz (2015), and Christopher Shannon (2014).
