The Fashion Awards might still be weeks away, but British fashion has plenty to celebrate in the meantime. Last week, British and the British Fashion Council Foundation gathered at Mayfair’s Bar Finch to raise a glass to Bianca Saunders, winner of the 2026 BFC/ Designer Fashion Fund. One of the most coveted prizes in fashion, the initiative awards a British-based designer business a £150,000 grant, along with an invaluable package of mentoring support.

Hosted by Laura Weir, CEO of the BFC, and Laura Ingham, deputy director of ’s Global Fashion Network, and generously supported by BFC Foundation patron Maya Martinos, the intimate dinner brought together friends, collaborators and admirers of the designer, among them Julia Sarr-Jamois, Alva Claire, Chanté Joseph, Mikai McDermott and PC Williams.

“I’m so grateful to the jury for seeing the power of my brand, its future potential, and just for believing in me so wholeheartedly,” Saunders said of her win back in June. “It’s been a long journey, and fashion isn’t the easiest, but this really is such powerful motivation to keep doing what I do, and work towards the next step of solidifying the brand.”

Explaining the jury’s decision, Weir said: “Her proposal impressed the jury not only for its cultural relevance, but also its aesthetically compelling and distinctly London spirit. She represents the best of British fashion talent, combining a strong creative vision with exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling.”

Get an exclusive peek inside the celebrations, here.