The British Fashion Council announced Labrum as the winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026, a prize that identifies and accelerates outstanding British designer businesses.

What the winner receives

Labrum will receive a £100,000 grant prize, a year-long mentorship, pro-bono legal services from law firm Sheridans, and access to a network of specialist advisors tailored to its business needs. As part of the BFC Foundation, BFC/GQDFF sits within a collective of Prizes & Programmes designed to support the development of commercially resilient British fashion businesses.

The BFC Foundation

Formed in 2019, the BFC Foundation supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring. Creating pathways to support British fashion talent is the core mission of the British Fashion Council. There is a need to continue and grow this support, increase the diversity of the talent pool, and support businesses that are leading the way in terms of environmental and community impact.

About the recipient of the Prize

Labrum was founded by Foday Dumbuya in 2014. Built on Dumbuya’s formative years in Sierra Leone, Cyprus, and London, the brand narrates untold stories of the diaspora, merging African values with British tailoring. The brand is committed to creating looks that are wearable yet idiosyncratic, inspired by a lifetime of travel, exploration, and pilgrimage.

“The BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund exists to back exceptional British design talent and help build resilient, future-facing businesses. Foday’s ability to consistently elevate his collections while maintaining a distinct creative vision reflects the strength and originality that British fashion is known for globally," said Laura Weir, chief executive, British Fashion Council. "Through stories rooted in heritage, community, and diaspora, Labrum continues to shape a powerful cultural dialogue with lasting impact. We are proud to work with the team at British GQ to support the brand’s continued growth and help accelerate its momentum at this important stage of its journey.”

“Winning the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund is an incredibly special moment for me and everyone who has been part of the Labrum journey. As a brand built on the stories of migration, identity and cultural exchange, this recognition is a reminder that those stories matter. The Fund will give us the platform, resources and confidence to continue building Labrum into a truly global British brand, allowing us to invest in our team, strengthen our business and reach new audiences while staying true to the community and values that brought us here,” commented Foday Dumbuya, founder and creative director, Labrum.

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