Priya Ahluwalia receives the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

Drawing on her Nigerian and Indian heritage, Ahluwalia pioneers responsible sourcing and manufacturing techniques

Priya Ahluwalia is the 2021 recipient of the The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. Courtesy British Fashion Council

Priya Ahluwalia has received the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

Ahluwalia was recognised for her work in pioneering responsible sourcing and manufacturing techniques, while telling the stories of those who make her clothes and the communities she works with.

Drawing on her dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots, the designer reimagines traditional men’s wardrobes through the prism of vintage and deadstock fabrics.

The award was presented during a virtual event by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, on behalf of the Queen.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) described Ahluwalia's "sustainably minded" menswear collections as "truly unique".

This is one of a string of awards received by Ahluwalia since she launched her eponymous label in 2018, after graduating from the MA Menswear course at the University of Westminster.

In 2019, she won the H&M Design Award and was a recipient of BFC’s 2019/2020 Newton initiative.

In 2020, Ahluwalia became one of the eight brands to win the LVMH Prize for Young Designers and was named among Forbes 30 under 30 Europe on the Arts & Culture List. Her eponymous label also became part of the MatchesFashion's Innovators programme.

Ahluwalia is also the author of two books: Jalebi, which gathers several strands of her work into an expression of what it means to be a young mixed heritage person living in modern Britain; and Sweet Lassi, which was inspired by a 2017 trip to Lagos, Nigeria, where Ahluwalia spotted people wearing obscure British clothing, including a London Marathon 2012 shirt.

“We are delighted to announce Priya Ahluwalia as the fourth recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council.

“Ahluwalia’s unique and ethical design process combined with her ability and passion to give back to communities around London and the globe make her an inspiration for many young British designers. We are incredibly proud to recognise Priya and look forward to seeing her business grow.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was created in recognition of the role that the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy. The inaugural award was announced and presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018, when the Queen made her first visit to London Fashion Week.