The British Fashion Council Foundation announced that Saul Nash won the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The Duchess presented the award on behalf of Her Majesty The King at an event held in London’s Design Museum, during the Platinum Jubilee Year, which highlighted all of the BFC talent support initiatives.
Nash is both a designer as well as a choreographer. He was recognized for his innovative approach to design. He developed new materials while actively pioneering a frontier within the industry. His sportswear designs are infused with heritage, performance, and technical innovation. BFC stated in a press release that the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was created to recognize the important role fashion plays in society, diplomacy, and to highlight young designers who have talent and are making a positive impact on society by using sustainable practices or engaging with the community.
Nash is a multi-faceted choreographer and movement director, as well as a designer. His work has opened up conversations about masculinity and identity. His eponymous brand was launched in 2018 and combines influences and elements from his Guyanese background in North London. Meanwhile, his design practice aims to bridge the gap between sportswear and luxury menswear. Unique technical garments are designed and cut with the freedom of movement in mind.
Nash was recently awarded the 2022 International Woolmark Prize. In the last three years, he’s been named a LVMH Prize 2021 semifinalist, a NEWGEN winner, and a Highsnobiety THE NEXT 20 member. The designer has ties to Central Saint Martins and Fashion East. He is also a testament of the amazing fashion communities who nurture the most promising talent in the industry. Nash exhibited for three seasons with Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East before releasing his solo collection in February 2021, which is part of an entire body of work called ‘TWIST.’ Nash continues his juggling act between dance, performance and fashion. Nash’s brand is dedicated towards creating clothing for movement. He often displays his clothing through self- or cochoreographed performance which best demonstrates how it should move. Nash’s choreography work is not limited to fashion or music. He has created videos and movement directions for many brands and musicians.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award is given to a British designer each year by the BFC in collaboration with Royal Household. Lucy Price, at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham and the Jewellery Quarter, has hand-produced this award inspired by The Queen Elizabeth Rose. In 2022 Her Majesty the Queen will be the first British Monarch who celebrates a Platinum Jubilee following 70 years of service.
“We are pleased to announce Nash is the fifth winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award. Nash’s design practice is unique in that it combines function, technology and tailoring. This has led to a new approach in luxe sportswear. His work is an exploration of the relationship between menswear, performance, and choreography. In a press release, Caroline Rush CBE said that she was “incredibly proud” to recognize Nash.
