Love Fashion? Check the news for June

The sun is finally coming out, summer is officially here. June brings its breath of fresh air and as we know fashion never takes a break. This month, the British Fashion Council announced winners of the Trust Grant and Tom Ford has launched the Fall collection. Love fashion? Keep reading to learn all about the news for this month so far.

All images courtesy of British Fashion Council and Tom Ford

To begin the month, the British Fashion Council (BFC) Foundation announced the BFC Fashion Trust grant recipients. The BFC Fashion Trust has awarded over £3 million to 58 designers since it started in 2011. The trust supports the growth and success of the British Fashion industry focusing on three areas: education, business mentoring and grant-giving.

To promote business growth and the implementation of practical solutions the trust grants long-term strategic plans in areas such as production, sampling, merchandising, e-commerce and more. The BFC Fashion Trust 2024 Grant recipients are TOVE, LABRUM London, Completedworks, Conner Ives, E.L.V. Denim and Helen Kirkum.

In partnership with Pull & Bear the BFC announces the selected designers for 2024/25 for the NEWGEN programme. NEWGEN is the most internationally celebrated emerging talent support and showcasing initiative by the BFC. The purpose is to support the best talent and its goal is to build responsible, global brands of the future. Industry-led panels chaired by Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent choose a cohort of designers each year based on their strong design aesthetic, point of difference and creativity.

BFC NEWGEN has supported designers including Alexander McQueen, Bianca Saunders, Christopher Kane, Duro Olowu, Grace Wales Bonner, Kim Jones, Jonathan Anderson, Richard Quinn, and many more, since its launch in 1993. The BFC NEWGEN 2024/25 designers selected were AARON ESH, ANCUȚA SARCA, Charlie Constantinou, Chet Lo, DERRICK, DI PETSA, HARRI, JOHANNA PARV, Karoline Vitto, Kazna Asker, Leo Carlton, LUEDER, MASHA POPOVA, Paolo Carzana, Pauline Dujancourt, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Steve O Smith, The Winter House, TOLU COKER and YAKU.

The BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund was established in 2013, providing a cash prize of £100 000 with the intention of supporting business growth and the winner’s contribution to the global and British fashion ecosystem. The winner is also granted professional services and pro-bono bespoke high-level business mentoring.

Bianca Saunders is the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund winner. Bianca’s menswear label seamlessly combines tradition with modernity. The designs are deeply rooted in Anglo-Caribbean relations with a personal focus on Bianca’s British-Caribbean roots and viewing clothing as a dynamic expression of self.

“I am incredibly honoured to be the winner of the BFC/GQDFF this year. To be a finalist among designers I greatly admire and to join the ranks of past winners who inspire me daily is a dream come true. The support from the BFC and GQ means the world to my team and me. Having great guidance from them and mentorship alongside the support was needed for our next stage. This opportunity allows us to grow and develop Bianca Saunders into a sustainably thriving business with a lasting impact on our community. London is at the heart of the Bianca Saunders brand, and it has helped us achieve
global recognition. I am proud to be part of the vibrant creativity that thrives here. Our community is about being seen, artistic, and cool yet understated. We aim to continue this vision with a flourishing business that fosters a strong sense of community. I am eternally grateful to my amazing team, who work tirelessly to make our dreams a reality. Thank you to the incredible panel of judges; I am so excited for the future!”

Bianca Saunders, Founder of Bianca Saunders

In other news, Tom Ford has launched the Fall 24 collection. This collection further depicts the TOM FORD woman in Peter Hwakings’s vision. The defining pillars are still glamour and seduction for the way of being but the expression is more direct, streamlined and tense.

With the use of an unusual mix of highly tactile materials: velvet, cashmere flannel, wool and silk twill, and others the sensuality of the collection is conveyed.

The TOM FORD man favours faultlessly tailored suits, leather blousons with decisive hardware and military-inspired peacoats. He comes across as a glamorous character with a twist of insouciance.

If you enjoyed reading Love Fashion? Check the news for June then why not read Designer Love Meets High Street?

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