The British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce that Priya Ahluwalia of Ahluwalia has been honored with The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The Award was bestowed by Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, representing Her Majesty The Queen, during a virtual ceremony.
Ahluwalia is celebrated for her proactive efforts in reshaping the fashion industry, particularly in pioneering responsible sourcing and manufacturing techniques, while amplifying the narratives of the individuals who craft her garments and the communities she collaborates with.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was established to acknowledge the fashion industry’s societal and diplomatic contributions, as well as to recognize emerging designers who are not only talented but are also making a positive impact on society through sustainable practices or community engagement.
The inaugural Award was presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 during Her Majesty The Queen’s first visit to London Fashion Week. In 2019, the prestigious honor was bestowed upon Bethany Williams by The Duchess of Cornwall, and in 2020, Rosh Mahtani was recognized by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and ethical practices embedded within her design ethos, Ahluwalia has been selected for her dedication to craftsmanship and community. Her menswear collections, crafted from deadstock and repurposed locally sourced vintage materials, draw inspiration from her Nigerian and Indian heritage, resulting in designs that are truly distinctive.
A progressive thinker and catalyst for change, Ahluwalia has utilized her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the Black community, particularly in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC), remarked: “We are thrilled to announce Priya Ahluwalia as the fourth recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.”
Ahluwalia’s distinctive and ethical design process, coupled with her unwavering commitment to giving back to communities both locally in London and globally, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring British designers. We take immense pride in acknowledging Priya’s accomplishments and eagerly anticipate the continued growth of her business.
Ahluwalia launched her eponymous label in 2018 following her graduation from the MA Menswear course at The University of Westminster and her victory in the H&M Design Award 2019. In 2019, she was selected for the BFC’s NEWGEN initiative, a prestigious designer development scheme globally recognized for nurturing emerging talent.
In 2020, Ahluwalia was among the eight brands honored with the LVMH Prize 2020 and was featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 European Arts and Culture List. Her label also joined Matches Fashion’s Innovators program, which provides mentorship, preferential business terms, and marketing support to emerging design talents. Later that year, Ahluwalia participated in GUCCI Fest, showcasing her first feature film, Joy, with Gucci’s support. Additionally, she was named a People Honouree at The Fashion Awards in December 2020.
Each year, the BFC, in collaboration with the Royal Household, selects a designer to receive The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. Designed by Angela Kelly and inspired by The Queen Elizabeth rose, the award is handcrafted by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter.
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Special thanks to the British Fashion Council UK.