Nicholas Daley wins the 2022 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has today announced Nicholas Daley as the winner of the 2022 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund.

Daley will receive a 12-month bespoke high level business mentoring programme, pro bono legal services from Sheridans and a £150,000 cash prize.

Adam Baidawi, GQ’s Deputy Global Editorial Director and Head of Editorial Content at British GQ, said: “Nicholas Daley is a phenomenon. He has brought to life a menswear vision that is totally his own.

“On top of his wild and dizzying design talent, Nicholas has a gift for curation, pulling together a diverse collection of collaborators and influences to create a truly modern brand. We couldn’t be prouder to be honouring him.”

Daley commented: “I am very honoured to receive this award and I would like to thank GQ, the BFC, and the industry judging panel for selecting me as this year’s winner. The funding and mentoring program will support me in continuing to grow my brand for the future.”

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, said: “With a continued emphasis on community, craftsmanship and culture, cementing a place at the centre of London society, Nicholas Daley is a menswear brand exploring the interplay of fashion, music and art in novel and exciting ways.

“With a forward-thinking approach, Daley challenges the way fashion is deciphered through presentations, live performances, and films. He is a breath of fresh air and we are excited to see what the brand continues to achieve in the future.”

This year’s shortlist included clothsurgeon, LYPH and Olubiyi Thomas, who all had the opportunity to participate in a mentoring programme through the BFC’s Designer Initiatives team, with access to funders, industry experts, and pro-bono legal services from Sheridans.

The judging committee was made up of representatives from businesses who support the fund, and industry experts including Damien Paul, Head of Menswear Buying at MatchesFashion.com, Dunhill CEO, Laurent Malecaze, and Samuel Ross, Founder of A-COLD-WALL*, who was the 2019 winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund.