Designer and Choreographer Saul Nash Receives The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

Designer and choreographer Saul Nash received The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design according to The British Fashion Council Foundation. Nash was presented the award by The Duchess of Cambridge at an event held at The Design Museum in London. The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy, and to honor young designers who are talented and making a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement, BFC said in a media statement.

Nash launched his eponymous label in 2018, which incorporates inspiration from his Guyanese upbringing in North London, while at the same time his design practice exists to bridge the gap between luxury menswear and sportswear. His designs consist of unique technical garments, designed and cut for the liberation of movement. Before winning the Queen Elizabeth II award, Nash showed for three seasons under Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East, before releasing his first solo collection, part of a body of work entitled ‘TWIST’, in February 2021. He has also been associated with Central Saint Martins, Royal College of Art.

Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of BFC, said in a statement, “We are delighted to announce Nash as the fifth recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. Nash has a unique way of combining function, tech, and tailoring in his design practice which has resulted in a new take on luxe sportswear. His work explores the relationship between performance and menswear and is often showcased through beautiful and show-stopping choreography. We are incredibly proud to recognize Nash and look forward to seeing his brand grow.”

The designer who will receive the award is selected each year by the BFC, in collaboration with the Royal Household. The award is inspired by The Queen Elizabeth rose and has been hand-produced by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios and in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. Nash was selected specifically for his role as a cultural innovator whose work opens conversations around identity, masculinity and class.

Earlier this year, Nash was also awarded the 2022 International Woolmark Prize and in the past three years alone, he has been named a LVMH Prize 2021 semi-finalist, a NEWGEN recipient and a member of High Snobiety’s THE NEXT 20 list.