Brand Spotlight: Bianca Saunders

Courtesy of Drapers Magazine

Hailing from the British capital, designer Bianca Saunders has chartered a lane of her own in menswear. From London Fashion Week in 2018 to making the Forbes “30 under 30” list, amongst an array of other accomplishments, the impact of Bianca’s creative spark speaks for itself. Inspiration from her Jamaican heritage and an appreciation for Black culture are key elements that appear in her work. By challenging gender norms and highlighting aspects of fluidity, she further solidifies her position as a groundbreaker in the current era of fashion. 

Courtesy of Launchmetrics/spotlight

Courtesy of Bianca Saunders

Bringing the Jamaican Paradise to the Paris Runway

The recent June Paris Fashion Week marked the debut of Bianca’s first footwear line produced by Portuguese company, Valuni. She showcased a collection titled, “the Hotel”, reminiscent of a getaway in the Caribbean. The vibrant hues, crochet patterns, and relaxed yet intricate detailing intertwine in the development of Bianca’s vision brought to life on the runway. As the sentiment of unwinding on a resort is evoked, the details serve as the perfect tribute to Jamaica’s rich culture.

‘I like that I can present a collection that is inherently about being Caribbean but doesn’t have to be in yellow or green. I’m excited thinking about what men could put on their bodies – being sexy or even feminine, in a way. I’m in the minority designing menswear as a woman, but it’s so normal for men to design for women.’ - Bianca Saunders via Frieze Magazine

Courtesy of Bianca Saunders

Milestones and Moving Outside of Menswear

Launching her first unisex line, is a great testament to how she continues to innovate and transcend traditional boundaries. Titled “Nothing Personal”, the collection made in collaboration with Nona Source (LVMH-backed platform) features tailored pieces and a variety of textures. Drawing inspiration from James Baldwin and Richard Avedon’s literary piece under the same title, Bianca highlights her appreciation for the conservative yet creative attire during that time period. Her creative lens reflects the theme of contradictions in American identity that was explored in the novel. While speaking to her innovative approach, the creation of “Nothing Personal” also emphasizes her dedication to incorporating thoughtful elements of Black culture in her craft.

It is evident that Bianca’s mission is not limited to the runway or any other singular path. We are excited to witness the unfolding of her journey and the evolution of her brand as she continues to share her work with the world. What do you think the next phase of her brand will entail and who would you love to see her collaborate with during it?