In a standout week for British fashion, the British Fashion Council celebrated its most prestigious accolades, each spotlighting bold vision, sustainability, and future-forward design thinking.
Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design
At the BFC HQ in London, The Princess of Wales presented the 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell, whose practice merges fashion with purpose. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, McDowell was recognised for his commitment to redefining the role of sustainability within the industry, as well as his community-first approach to building a label.
Since its launch in 2018, the QEII Award has become a fixture on the fashion calendar, recognising visionary designers making tangible contributions to sustainability and culture. This year’s recipient joins a celebrated roster that includes Bethany Williams, Saul Nash, and Steven Stokey-Daley, each honoured not only for design brilliance but for building businesses with heart and purpose.
BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund
Later in the week, attention turned to Conner Ives, named the winner of the 2025 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund at a cocktail event hosted by BFC Chief Executive Laura Weir and Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue. Held at the London EDITION, the evening brought together industry figures including Alexa Chung, Camille Charrière, Kai-Isaiah Jamal and more to toast Ives’ achievement. Alongside bespoke mentoring and professional services, Ives’ label receives a £150,000 cash prize to support its growth.
“Every single moment in my career that has been supported by the British Fashion Council has felt like an out-of-body experience,” — Connor Ives
At FoundPop, we are proud to have provided furniture for the event, helping transform the showcase into a high-quality, high-impact space that reflected the values of the featured awards.
BFC NEWGEN in Partnership with Pull&Bear
Also in the news and now recognised as one of the most established emerging talent support schemes globally, BFC NEWGEN continues to set the standard for identifying and supporting the most promising designers. Delivered in partnership with Pull&Bear, the initiative offers funding, mentorship, and showcasing opportunities, helping designers build the business foundations required for global growth.
Recipients for the 2025/26 cycle were selected for their creativity, distinct point of view, and design-led approach. The list includes both returning and newly appointed names across womenswear, menswear, and multi-disciplinary fashion, with a focus on brands committed to sustainable and inclusive practices.
From atelier-style exhibitions to industry celebrations, these events reflect the BFC’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent with impact. We are proud to support such defining moments in British design.
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