The 2021 Queen Elizabeth II Award for Fashion Design has been given to Priya Ahluwalia. The young fashion designer, who is following in the footsteps of Richard Quinn, Bethany Williams and Rosh Mahtani, has been praised for her efforts to change the industry for the better under her namesake label.
The young designer is known for her responsible sourcing and manufacturing techniques, while she has also been applauded for telling the stories of those who make her clothes and the communities she works with.
© Victor VIRGILE - Getty Imagesgettyimages-973754934
Ahluwalia creates sustainably minded menswear collections, which are made from dead stock and repurposed locally-sourced vintage materials, while she combines elements and influences from her Nigerian and Indian heritage, making her designs truly unique - and has used her growing platform to become an agent of change, bringing awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement.
"We are delighted to announce Priya Ahluwalia as the fourth recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design," British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush 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."
Ahluwalia was awarded the prize in a virtual ceremony, which saw Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex present.
© Chris Jackson/BFC - Getty ImagesPriya Ahluwalia receiving her award
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