Saul Nash is one of the buzziest new names in the fashion world right now. Just last week, GRAZIA USA reported that the emerging designer was awarded 2022’s edition of the International Woolmark Prize — and the $140,000 cash prize that came with it. This week, Nash is continuing to rack up wins.
On Wednesday, the British-Guyanese designer was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at a ceremony hosted by the British Fashion Council (UK’s equivalent to the CFDA). The prize was presented by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II at London’s Design Museum.
The BFC and the Royal Household came together to pick the winner of the prestigious award, which is typically given to an emerging designer who brings positive change to society while demonstrating sustainable practices or community engagement.
“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,” says British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush in a press release. “His work explores the relationship between performance and menswear and is often showcased through beautiful and show-stopping choreography, we are incredibly proud to recognise Saul and look forward to seeing his brand grow.”
The rising talent may be making headlines now, but the designer launched his eponymous line in 2018 and showed his first few collections under Fashion East founder Lulu Kennedy’s incubator program. He released his first solo collection in February 2021.
Focusing on high-end menswear and sportswear, Nash brings a unique approach with his technical achievements (he replaced lycra material for wool in his Woolmark competition designs), and has inclusivity at the core of the brand (which can be seen through the way he incorporates his Guyanese upbringing in North London into his designs). In 2021, Nash was a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize alongside breakout designers Christopher John Rogers, Bianca Saunders, and winner Nensi Dojaka.
Nash is definitely one to keep on your radar, and with all his recent success we wouldn’t be surprised if he made his official London Fashion Week debut in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2023 season.
