London Fashion Week favourite Bora Aksu has been awarded with the ‘Goodwood Talent In Fashion’ accolade, a prize that celebrates and recognises rising British fashion talent, created in association with the British Fashion Council.
Previous recipients of the award include Richard Quinn, Molly Goddard and Miss Sohee, all of which were chosen by a panel of judges that includes the Duke of Richmond; Caroline Rush, chief executive of the BFC; Sian Westerman, non-executive director of the BFC and our very own Lydia Slater, editor of Harper’s Bazaar UK.
All winners are commissioned to create three one-off pieces that eventually sit as part of a permanent fashion collection at Goodwood. Aksu’s contribution uses vintage lace and fabric on dresses which are inspired by the numerous portraits of duchesses from the Goodwood Collection, as well as the interiors of Goodwood House.
“Bora is a designer who has embraced that quintessentially English look of romance with a twist – a philosophy that fits perfectly with Goodwood’s fashion legacy,” the Duke of Richmond said. “We have always been known for an ‘England in the Summer’ way of dressing, ever since King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry came racing during the 19th Century, and today encourage this relaxed yet glamorous style.”
Aksu is best known for the super feminine nature of his demi-couture pieces, which he presents on the London Fashion Week schedule each season. He often includes exquisite hand embroidery in his work, and makes an effort to use vintage and sustainable fabrics as much as possible.
“Bora’s work also embodies a strong sense of storytelling and I’m excited that the stories of Goodwood have inspired his creations,” added the duke. “He has a passion for vintage and reclaimed fabric, which is very close to our hearts. The ‘Talent in Fashion’ award is allowing us to build a unique collection of one-off pieces and we are thrilled that Bora’s gowns will become part of the Goodwood Collection.”
The three gowns were revealed on the Opening Day of The Qatar Goodwood Festival this week, and will now join Richard Quinn, Molly Goddard and Miss Sohee’s designs in the permanent collection.
