WALES BONNER WIN BEST INDEPENDENT BRITISH BRAND AT THE BFA’S
Wales Bonner scooped ‘Best Independent British Brand’ at the British Fashion Awards, hailed by the British Fashion Council for an unparalleled talent for storytelling and craftsmanship.
The annual ceremony held by the BFC, returned to its iconic London venue, The Royal Albert Hall to recognise and celebrate excellence across the industry.
32-year-old Central Saint Martins graduate, Grace Wales Bonner continues her win streak following the 2021 Council of Fashion Designers America Awards, where she received International Men’s Designer of the Year. This year the prize went to Wales Bonner for having “an exceptional talent for storytelling and craftsmanship, making her one of the most recognisable female designers working across both menswear and womenswear”.
SS23 looked to Ghana for inspiration, specifically the Sankofa motif, a symbol of the Akan tribe. Meaning “going back to look forward” the collection fully embodied all essential ethos, using the past to craft old into new. Hero Mag editor, Alex J. Taylor says, “There was a really incredible focus on artisan craft throughout, those beaded macrame dresses and jewellery made in Ghana. Woven cottons made in Burkina Faso alongside opera coats developed by the House of Charvet in Paris and Saville Row tailoring. Combining artisan techniques from different countries and cultures, Grace curates this fantastic celebration of artistic heritage.”
Women’s Wear Daily correspondent, Martino Carrera commented, “I think Grace has a specific knack for appealing to younger folks with some kind of fashion knowledge and sophistication, adding many youthful designs and references but also "educating" them on sartorial dressing and craftsmanship through her fashion”.