Buzzworthy Designers Ahluwalia And Wales Bonner On Their Bright Futures
PRIYA AHLUWALIA’s use of regenerated textiles has been recognized with a 2022 Fashion Award for ‘Leaders of Change, Environment’, while GRACE WALES BONNER is the recipient of the award for ‘Independent British Brand’. Here, KARA KIA speaks to the designers about the support they have received from the British Fashion Council and how they’re expanding into exciting new areas
Priya Ahluwalia of Ahluwalia
“The BFC Foundation has been a great support in my career so far. I’m a part of the NewGen initiative, which has been invaluable in helping to show [my collections] on the London Fashion Week schedule – and we get some fantastic mentorship, which has been amazing for myself and my team. I applied for the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund, which I ended up winning in 2021, and it has honestly been a life-changing experience.”
“If I can provoke people to think in new ways, it’s a step in the right direction
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“I want to show that we can create beautiful fashion stories and pieces in ways that are much less detrimental to the environment and to the people on our planet. If I can start conversations and raise questions about ‘why’ and ‘how’ the fashion industry is creating things; if I can provoke people to think in new ways, it’s a step in the right direction.
“I’m so excited for Ahluwalia over the next 12 months. I want to start looking into developing shoes and accessories through an Ahluwalia lens. I’m looking forward to doing some incredible shoots, campaigns, some films, and trying to get more of a presence in Asia. It really is an exciting time!”
Grace Wales Bonner of Wales Bonner
“The British Fashion Council has provided holistic support to the growth of our business, from leadership advice to legal expertise. I’m really grateful that Wales Bonner has been recognized [with a British Fashion Award] alongside such amazing peers. As a small team, I think this is a brilliant achievement.”
“We would like to introduce broader categories into our world, and I am excited about our developments within footwear and jewelry
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“I would like to bring more diversity, joy and beauty to the fashion industry,” says Wales Bonner, who explains that designing both womenswear and menswear has shown her that fashion enthusiasts are becoming more confident in expressing their unique style, regardless of gender. “There is so much to learn in the intersection [between womenswear and menswear]. I think there is a lot more flexibility in an individual’s approach to buying what feels right, so this openness also allows for more freedom within the design process.
“It’s important that Wales Bonner continues to refine and elevate. We would like to introduce broader categories into our world, and I am excited about our developments within footwear and jewelry,” she says while sharing her best advice for emerging designers. “Stay devoted and persevere. Work with real purpose and intention.”