Labrum wins BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund with £100,000 grant

Menswear brand Labrum has been announced as the winner of the latest British Fashion Council/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, a prize that "identifies and accelerates" outstanding British designer businesses.

Labrum, which was founded by Foday Dumbuya in 2014, will receive a £100,000 grant prize, a year long mentorship, pro-bono legal services from law firm Sheridans and access to a network of specialist advisors tailored to its business needs.

The winner was determined by a judging panel including Laura Weir, Chief Executive of the BFC, Murray Clark and Angelo Mitakos from British GQ, and Simon Longland, Director of Fashion Buying at Harrods, among others.

Laura Weir said: "The BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund exists to back exceptional British design talent and help build resilient, future facing businesses. Foday’s ability to consistently elevate his collections while maintaining a distinct creative vision reflects the strength and originality that British fashion is known for globally.

"Through stories rooted in heritage, community and diaspora, Labrum continues to shape a powerful cultural dialogue with lasting impact. We are proud to work with the team at British GQ to support the brand’s continued growth and help accelerate its momentum at this important stage of its journey."

Murray Clark, Head of Editorial Content, British GQ, commented: "I am beyond elated to present this year's BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund to Labrum, a brand that has come into the fullest of force.

"I've had the pleasure of watching Foday Dumbuya's label grow over the years, and he tells the stories we all need to hear through rich, sharp and incisive menswear. This prize is all about nurturing and rewarding a generation of fashion creatives, and Labrum is at the forefront of this new guard."

Foday Dumbuya, Founder and Creative Director of Labrum, added: "Winning the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund is an incredibly special moment for me and everyone who has been part of the Labrum journey.

"As a brand built on the stories of migration, identity and cultural exchange, this recognition is a reminder that those stories matter. The Fund will give us the platform, resources and confidence to continue building Labrum into a truly global British brand, allowing us to invest in our team, strengthen our business and reach new audiences while staying true to the community and values that brought us here."

In March, John Lewis launched a second collaboration with Labrum for SS26, which followed on from the debut AW25 partnership - the retailer’s first menswear collaboration for 10 years.

Only available online and in five John Lewis stores, on London’s Oxford Street, Peter Jones in Chelsea, Stratford, Leeds and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, the SS26 collection offers a mix of denim, tailoring, co-ords and separates, but this time also introduces footwear, bags and homeware to the mix.