Priya Ahluwalia is 2021's Queen Elizabeth II Award winner

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Feb 24, 2021

Priya Ahluwalia, "a pioneer in responsible sourcing and manufacturing techniques", has received The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) Award, presented by The Countess of Wessex, on behalf of The Queen during a virtual event, recognised Ahluwalia’s “active contribution to changing the industry for the better”.

Her sustainably-minded menswear collections, made of dead stock and repurposed locally-sourced vintage materials, “combine elements and influences from her Nigerian and Indian heritage, making her designs truly unique”, the citation added. 

“She is a progressive thinking leader and agent for change who has used her platform to raise awareness around the challenges of the Black community, especially in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement”, it added.

Caroline Rush, BFC chief executive, said: “Ahluwalia’s unique and ethical design process combined with her ability and passion to give back to communities around London and the globe make her an inspiration for many young British designers. We are incredibly proud to recognise Priya and look forward to seeing her business grow.”

The inaugural Award was announced and presented to Richard Quinn  three years ago when The Queen made her first visit to London Fashion Week. Other recipients include Bethany Williams and Rosh Mahtani.