By Patrick Barnham
First presented by Queen Elizabeth II at London Fashion Week in 2018, the award was initiated in recognition of the role played by British design and fashion in the country’s culture and trade.
The King was joined at the event by leading figures in the fashion industry, as well as those championing sustainable fashion.
As Prince of Wales, His Majesty spearheaded the establishment of the SMI Sustainable Fashion Task Force, which brings together a range of brands, platforms and retailers from all over the world to pioneer a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
His Majesty also had the opportunity to meet recipients of the BFC Foundation’s scholarships and designer support schemes, and view their designs. The BFC Foundation’s schemes provide financial support to up-and-coming designers, as well as showcasing and mentoring opportunities to help the designers build their brands.
The King then presented the 2023 award to LABRUM London. Founded by Foday Dumbuya, LABRUM is inspired by Foday’s formative years learning and growing up in Sierra Leone, Cyprus and London. The brand’s aesthetic is a narration of the untold stories of the diaspora merging West African values with British tailoring.
Following the presentation, His Majesty watched an immersive performance created by the winner of the award. Before departing, The King also visited award winner’s design studio to see where their work comes to life.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was first presented by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. The Award has since been presented by Her Majesty Queen Camilla in 2019, The Princess Royal in 2020, The Duchess of Edinburgh in 2021 and The Princess of Wales in 2022.
