Priya Ahluwalia Wins BFC/GQ Designer Men’s Wear Fund
LONDON — British fashion designer Priya Ahluwalia has been named the winner of this year’s BFC/GQ designer men’s wear fund.
She will receive a one-year business mentorship, pro-bono legal services, and a cash prize of 150,000 pounds, supported by Clearpay.
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An intimate cocktail will be held Monday evening at the Serpentine Gallery to celebrate the prize.
Ahluwalia was chosen from finalists that also included Bethany Williams, Bianca Saunders, Feng Chen Wang, Nicholas Daley and Stefan Cooke. They have all received mentorships to accelerate their business.
“It means so much to me, it’s incredible to be recognized for my work by such a prestigious award. This comes at a pivotal time in my business and my career, giving me the opportunity to further grow my team and brand,” said the designer.
Dylan Jones, British Fashion Council chair of men’s wear, said Ahluwalia stood out for her “perceptive design and business acumen, drawing on the contemporary sensibilities of the modern consumer, propelling her to the top of the talent pool.”
He added that it was “a unanimous decision” from the judging committee, which included Dunhill chief executive officer Andrew Maag, Gianni Versace CEO Jonathan Akeroyd, fashion designer Kim Jones and footballer Hector Bellerin.
Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, said “Priya proved to be the strongest candidate showing incredible creativity along with a business strategy that embodies the future of British fashion, with environmental and socially positive practices at the core of the brand. The committee is confident she will use the fund to her best advantage to propel and cement Ahluwalia on the global stage.”
Previous winners of the BFC/GQ designer men’s wear fund include A-Cold-Wall’s Samuel Ross, Craig Green, E. Tautz and Christopher Shannon.
Ahluwalia received the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design earlier this year from the Countess of Wessex. A collaboration between her and Mulberry will be released later this year.
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