King Charles III presents Labrum London with Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design
Labrum London Founder and Creative Director Foday Dumbuya has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, presented by King Charles III at an event staged by the British Fashion Council (BFC) at 180 Studios in London.
The event celebrated the impact of the BFC Foundation, bringing together its annual programme of talent support initiatives, and key attendees included Edward Enninful, David Beckham, Sabrina Elba, Sam Ross, Sandra Choi, Tan France and Woody Harrelson.
The inaugural award was announced and presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 when Queen Elizabeth II visited London Fashion Week.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated “in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy”, and to spotlight talented young designers who make a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement.
Dumbuya founded Labrum London in 2015 and is known for his representation of West African culture through a modern lens.
Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, said: “We are honoured to welcome His Majesty King Charles III, particularly so soon after his Coronation and at 180 Strand, where we welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to launch the award in 2018. We are delighted to announce Labrum London as this year’s recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design as we celebrate the impact of the BFC Foundation over the last year.
“Foday’s designs beautifully bridge the story of his West African heritage with his life in London and the history of British tailoring. His work highlights what is so unique and compelling about the UK as a leader in creative and fashion talent.
“At the BFC, we recognise our responsibility to support these incredible British emerging designers as they develop into self-sustaining businesses and are honoured and proud to continue to do so, particularly in the current economic climate as funding for the arts diminishes.”
In the financial year 2022/2023, the BFC remitted £1.2m in funds to designers and scholars via its charity, the BFC Foundation. A total of £1.1m was paid via the BFC’s grant giving initiatives including scholarships and talent support schemes BFC NEWGEN, BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and BFC Fashion Trust.
A sum of £139,200 was paid to designers through brand partnership collaborations secured by the BFC for its charity, the BFC Foundation, and its talent support initiatives.
His Majesty has long been involved with the British fashion industry, having launched London’s inaugural Menswear Fashion Week in June 2012 at St James’ Palace. A champion of sustainable fashion, he has longstanding ties with the Campaign for Wool and he launched the Terra Carta to place sustainability at the heart of the private sector.
