Nominees for BFC Designer of the Year Announced
On Thursday, November 2nd, the British Fashion Council, or BFC, announced its nominees for their Designer of the Year award. The nominees and their respective brands are Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Daniel Lee for Burberry, Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson and Loewe, Matthieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta, and Miuccia Prada with Raf Simons for Prada. Online discourse on the nomination of these six designers has elicited mixed reactions. Some argue that the six designers rightfully deserve the recognition, while others contend that certain designers were unjustly denied the nomination.
Despite the exit of Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen, many argued that she is among the designers who truly deserve the BFC award. After she released a timeless collection at her final show with the fashion house, she received the standing ovation she deserved. Many prominent figures in the fashion world praised her last show. Her farewell collection, inspired by female anatomy, featured rose motifs.
Another designer who fashion fans feel deserves this award is Matthieu Blazy for his work at Bottega Veneta. For a fashion house that was once only well-known for its woven handbags, Blazy brought the audience’s attention back to their clothing. Letting the leather craftsmanship speak for itself in his most recent collection, it’s no surprise that he got this BFC nomination.
Fashion enthusiasts online argue that Daniel Lee’s short tenure at Burberry shouldn’t qualify him for a nomination, but he did manage to attract a younger audience with his collections. For this reason, the BFC nomination seems fitting. Burberry, known to many as an “old-money” fashion house similar to Ralph Lauren and Loro Piana, went through a rebrand that stays true to its roots while also having some edge. He understands the power and influence that younger generations hold, and successfully catered to them. His latest collection is Burberry’s most daring and we can expect more in upcoming seasons.
The British Fashion Council is set to announce the winner of the Designer of the Year award at The Fashion Awards on Monday, December 4th.
Featured Photo by British Fashion Council and businessoffashion.com