London, 11th June 2026 – The British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce LABRUM as the winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund (BFC/GQDFF) 2026, a prize that identifies and accelerates outstanding British designer businesses. LABRUM will receive a £100,000 grant prize, a year-long mentorship, pro-bono legal services from law firm Sheridans and access to a network of specialist advisors tailored to its business needs. As part of the BFC Foundation, BFC/GQDFF sits within a collective of Prizes & Programmes designed to support the development of commercially resilient British fashion businesses.
LABRUM was founded by Foday Dumbuya in 2014. Built on Dumbuya’s formative years in Sierra Leone, Cyprus and London, the brand narrates untold stories of the diaspora merging African values with British tailoring. The brand is committed to creating looks that are wearable yet idiosyncratic, inspired by a lifetime of travel, exploration and pilgrimage.
Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council: “The BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund exists to back exceptional British design talent and help build resilient, future-facing businesses. 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.”
Murray Clark, Head of Editorial Content, British GQ: “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.”
Foday Dumbuya, Founder and Creative Director, LABRUM: “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.”
The winner of the BFC/GQDFF was determined by a judging panel comprising Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council; Murray Clark, Head of Editorial Content, British GQ; Angelo Mitakos, Fashion Editor, British GQ; Lewis Bloyce, Brand Consultant; Rudy Simba Betty, Stylist; Simon Longland, Director of Buying - Fashion, Harrods; Skepta, Artist and Designer; and Tahir Basheer, Partner, Sheridans.
The BFC extends its thanks to British GQ, Sheridans, legal partner to the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, and Paul Smith whose generous support has made the Fund possible.