The British Fashion Council announced the shortlisted designers for the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026. Established in 2013, the BFC/GQDFF recognises and accelerates outstanding British designer businesses. The winner of the 2026 BFC/GQDFF award will receive a £100,000 grant prize, alongside a year-long mentorship with an industry leader, pro-bono legal services from leading law firm Sheridans, and access to a network of specialist advisors tailored to their business needs.

The shortlisted designers are: Clothsurgeon, Derrick, Harri, and Labrum London.

Clothsurgeon is a brand founded by Rav Matharu, focused on using premium-quality, locally-sourced fabrics, masterfully combining streetwear with high-end menswear. Under Rav’s expert guidance, Clothsurgeon has evolved into a globally respected brand, redefining menswear with its unparalleled approach to bespoke tailored menswear.

Luke Derrick is a London-based menswear designer and the founder of Derrick, a label built around the idea of elegance under pressure. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, he trained in tailoring and ready-to-wear at houses such as Dunhill, Brioni, and Alexander McQueen before launching his brand in 2021. Rooted in British tailoring, military, and utilitarian archetypes, Derrick’s work reinterprets heritage through advanced textile research and contemporary construction. Designed for lives lived between contexts, his collections explore how clothing can signal composure and functionality in a world in flux.

Harri is a London-based sculptural fashion studio redefining contemporary design through deeply personal, culturally-rooted craftsmanship. Founded by Indian-born artist and designer HARRI and his business partner Abhinov Asokan, every piece is handcrafted entirely by hand in our London studio, transforming the body into a moving sculpture.

Labrum is a modern-day British African brand telling the untold story of West Africa to help bridge the gap between Western society and African cultures. The brand focuses on storytelling, particularly sharing untold stories of the diaspora to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate community.

The announcement follows the recent launch of BFC 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth, the BFC’s new strategy under chief executive, Laura Weir. The strategy marks a decisive shift from designer promotion towards more sustained, tangible support, with a focus on deepened investment in designers. Part of the BFC’s redefined Prizes and Programmes, the BFC/GQDFF will play a key role in nurturing creative excellence while strengthening commercial resilience through skills, mentorship, and investment.

The winner of the BFC/GQDFF will be determined by a judging panel comprising Laura Weir, chief executive, British Fashion Council; Murray Clark, senior style editor, British GQ; Angelo Mitakos, fashion editor, British GQ; Lewis Bloyce, brand consultant; Rudy Simba Betty, stylist; Simon Longland, director of Buying, Harrods; Skepta, artist and designer; and Tahir Basheer, partner, Sheridans.

Previous winners of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund include Bleue Burnham (2025), Bianca Saunders (2024), Wales Bonner (2023), Nicholas Daley (2022), Ahluwalia (2021), A-Cold-Wall* (2019), Craig Green (2016), E Tautz (2015), and Christopher Shannon (2014).

The recipient of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund receives a grant through the BFC Foundation. Established in 2019, the Foundation supports creative talent, from students and emerging designers to established brands, through its Prizes and Programmes.

Photo: Labrum FW26