Joining the likes of Grace Wales Bonner and Martine Rose, breakout designer Bianca Saunders is increasing representation when it comes to women of colour designing in fashion.
After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2017, Saunders was quickly dubbed one to watch by the British Fashion Council, making her fashion week debut at the SS19 LFWM shows. Though it’s not her sole inspiration – or something she’s keen to be pigeon-holed by – Saunders’ work explores modern notions of black masculinity, with her garments designed to offer an individual experience to each wearer. Shirts appear to cling to the body, while trousers come with sexy slits up the sides.
Saunders’ exploration has seen her collaborate with a number of men of colour, like filmmaker Akinola Davies and fellow D100er Joshua Woods; her multidisciplinary approach giving people a behind-the-scenes look at her inspirations via short films.
In June, the designer will present her third collection on London’s menswear schedule – set to be her biggest and most developed to date.
Dominic Cadogan