After having won the 2022 International Woolmark Prize last week, Saul Nash is also the recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The award was presented by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II during an event at The Design Museum in London, which celebrated and showcased all the talent support initiatives of the BFC Foundation.

The British Guyanan designer is recognized for his innovative take on design; developing new materials whilst actively pioneering a new frontier within the industry, imbuing sportswear design with an exploration of heritage, performance and technical innovation. Nash showed for three seasons under Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East, before releasing his first solo collection in February 2021.

A multi-faceted choreographer, movement director and designer, Nash has been chosen for his role as a cultural innovator whose work opens conversations around identity, masculinity, and class. Launched in 2018, his eponymous label combines elements and influences from his Guyanese upbringing in North London while his design practice exists to bridge the gap between Luxury Menswear and Sportswear; unique technical garments, designed and cut for the liberation of movement. Nash often showcases his clothing in self or co-choreographed performances which best demonstrate how they are intended to move. His choreographic work extends across other areas of fashion and music where Nash has worked on movement direction and videos for countless brands and musicians.

Caroline Rush, chief executive officer at the British Fashion Council, commented: “Nash has a unique way of combining function, tech and tailoring in his design practice, which has resulted in a new take on luxe sportswear. His work explores the relationship between performance and menswear and is often showcased through beautiful and showstopping choreography. We are incredibly proud to recognize Saul and look forward to seeing his brand grow.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy and to spotlight young designers who are talented and making a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement. The inaugural Award was announced and presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 when The Queen made Her Majesty’s first visit to London Fashion Week. In 2019, the prestigious Award was presented to Bethany Williams by The Duchess of Cornwall, in 2020 to Rosh Mahtani by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and in 2021 to Priya Ahluwalia by Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex.

Each year a designer is selected by the BFC, in collaboration with the Royal Household, to be recognised by the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The Award is inspired by The Queen Elizabeth rose and has been hand-produced by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios and in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter.

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Photo: Saul Nash portrait