Nicholas Daley wins British Fashion Council/GQ designer fashion fund

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 BFC/GQ designer menswear fund is generously supported by Clearpay, BFC said in a press release.

Chaired by Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive, BFC and Adam Baidawi, head of editorial content, British GQ and deputy global editorial director, GQ, the judging committee was made up of representatives from businesses who support the fund and industry experts including Damien Paul, head of menswear buying, MatchesFashion; Laurent Malecaze, CEO, Dunhill; Laura Yeomans, market development director, Clearpay UK; Leah Abbott, Stylist; Samuel Ross, 2019 winner of the BFC/GQ designer fashion fund and founder, A-Cold-Wall; Tan France, fashion designer, TV personality and author; Teo van den Broeke, style & grooming director, British GQ; Yinka Ilori, multidisciplinary artist.

The BFC/GQ designer fashion fund is part of the BFC foundation which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on three areas: education, grant-giving and business mentoring and institute of positive fashion.

“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,” Adam Baidawi, head of editorial content, British GQ and deputy global editorial director, GQ, said in a statement.

“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 programme will support me in continuing to grow my brand for the future,” Daley said.

“With a continued emphasis on community, craftsmanship and culture and cementing a place at the centre of London society, 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,” Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of BFC, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)