Bianca Saunders wins the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2026

Bianca Saunders has been named as the recipient of this year's British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund prize.

As the winner, Saunders is the recipient of a £150,000 cash prize that is meant to support the growth of her business and continue her contributions to the global fashion ecosystem. She also gains access to pro-bono bespoke business mentoring and professional services.

The prize is part of the BFC's Prizes & Programmes department, which looks to support the development of commercially resilient British fashion businesses.

Bianca Saunders launched her eponymous label after graduating from The Royal College of Art in 2017.

The brand holds a distinctive place within the industry, according to the BFC, by reinterpreting traditional codes of menswear through a diasporic lens. Rooted in Saunders' British-Caribbean heritage, her work explores clothing as a dynamic expression of identity.

The shortlist for the prize was first announced in February, with Saunders named alongside five other designers: Aaron Esh, Clio Peppiatt, KNWLS, Onalaja, and Talia Byre.

The is not the first time that Saunders has won a prize from the British Fashion Council for her work. Back in 2024 she won the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund.

Only last week, menswear brand Labrum was announced as the winner of this year's BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund.

This year’s judging panel was chaired by Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, Laura Weir, and Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue, Chioma Nnadi.

Bianca Saunders, Creative Director and Founder of her eponymous label, said: "Winning the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is a defining moment for both myself and the brand.

"This recognition from such a prestigious institution is a profound validation of everything we have built; it provides the essential foundation to scale our operations and continue delivering high-quality, well-crafted collections for women. I have worked tirelessly to build a creative world that resonates with our community, and the Fund’s support will be transformative!

"It will allow us to accelerate growth, deepen our commitment to craftsmanship, and realise the brand's full vision on a global stage."

Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council commented: "The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund has long reflected the creative strength of the British fashion industry and we are extremely proud to continue this partnership with British Vogue.

"Congratulations to Bianca, whose work is not only culturally relevant, but aesthetically compelling and distinctly London in spirit.

"She represents the best of British fashion talent, combining a strong creative vision with exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling. We look forward to supporting her continued growth and ensuring that the next generation of British designers is not only discovered, but sustained.”

Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue added: "We are delighted to name Bianca Sanders as the recipient of the 2026 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

"Bianca’s considered approach to fashion demonstrates her deep understanding of identity and culture, while paying close attention to the way clothes move, fit and feel. Her distinctive vision continues to influence the wider industry conversation and we are proud to recognise her originality and ambition today."