LABRUM, are announced as winners of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026. They have been awarded a £100,000 grant alongside a year long mentorship, pro-bono legal services from leading law firm Sheridans, and access to a specialist list of advisors, tailored to their needs.
Established in 2014, LABRUM is a brand dedicated to weaving the stories of the Founder and Creative Director Foday Dumbuya’s Sierra Leonean heritage, formative years in Cyprus and the fabric and pace of London into the clothing. Creating rich tapestries of migration, through contemporary pieces.
“Winning the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund is an incredibly special moment for me and everyone who has been part of the LABRUM journey. As a brand built on the stories of migration, identity and cultural exchange, this recognition is a reminder that those stories matter. The Fund will give us the platform, resources and confidence to continue building LABRUM into a truly global British brand, allowing us to invest in our team, strengthen our business and reach new audiences while staying true to the community and values that brought us here.”
Foday Dumbuya, Creative Director LABRUM.
LABRUM were shortlisted in April 2026, amongst Clothsurgeon, Derrick and Harri, following the announcement of deeper investment in tangible support available to designers through the BFC 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth strategy under Chief Executive Laura Weir.
Among the judges deciding the 2026 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund were Artist and Designer Skepta, Brand Consultant Lewis Bloyce and Stylist Rudy Simba Betty.
LABRUM, is the latest in the history of other black owned and black led brands that have won the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, including, Bianca Saunders in 2024, Wales Bonner in 2023, Nicholas Daley in 2022, Ahluwalia in 2021 and A-Cold-Wall in 2019.
“Foday’s ability to consistently elevate his collections while maintaining a distinct creative vision reflects the strength and originality that British fashion is known for globally. Through stories rooted in heritage, community and diaspora, LABRUM continues to shape a powerful cultural dialogue with lasting impact. We are proud to work with the team at British GQ to support the brand’s continued growth and help accelerate its momentum at this important stage of its journey.”
Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council:
“I am beyond elated to present this year’s BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund to LABRUM, a brand that has come into the fullest of force. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Foday Dumbuya’s label grow over the years, and he tells the stories we all need to hear through rich, sharp and incisive menswear. This prize is all about nurturing and rewarding a generation of fashion creatives, and LABRUM is at the forefront of this new guard.”
Murray Clark, Head of Editorial Content, British GQ
Dumbuya, has said in the past that women have been central to his production team when it comes to staging LABRUM’s London Fashion Week shows. We’re excited to see where he will invest this fund, and what the next collection brings.
Watch this space for more news from LABRUM in 2026.
Click here for more information on LABRUM
Click here for more information on the British Fashion Council Charity, including the BFC/GQ Fund. The BFC thanks British GQ, Sheridans, and Paul Smith for their continued support