Pioneering Brighton graduate wins £200,000 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award

After graduating from BA Fine Art Critical Practice in 2012, Williams took a masters at London College of Fashion, then launched a pioneering fashion label in 2017. She focuses on bringing about social change via collaborations with different charities each season, while addressing broader fashion industry problems ranging from agricultural practices to communication. You can hear Bethany talking about some of her work using recycled sustainable textiles on YouTube.

The British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund was established in 2008, and this year's panel praised Bethany for reconfiguring what fashion’s relationship with philanthropy and sustainability could look like. As well as spotlighting subjects ranging from homelessness to the prison system, she uses her collections to raises funds for charities, while training marginalised communities in new skills.

Bethany Williams

Bethany Williams' fashion in Vogue, credit: Charlotte Wales

Speaking after her win, Bethany Williams said: “As designers, we are problem-solvers. We want to provide an alternative system for fashion production, as we believe fashion’s reflection upon the world can create positive change.”

Amanda Bright, Dean of the School of Art and Media, said: “It's wonderful to see Brighton's pillars of creativity, sustainability, partnership and inclusivity demonstrated so clearly and powerfully in the work of one of our alumni. We are so delighted for Bethany.”

British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful said: "The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund continues to be a vital initiative within the UK fashion industry. During this unprecedented time, we need to continue to do our utmost to protect and nurture young talents that bring so much energy and excitement to British fashion."

Previous winners of the fund include Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Mary Katrantzou, Molly Goddard and Wales Bonner.