Bianca Saunders Launches Women’s Collection After Vogue Prize
Bianca Saunders, a menswear designer turned womenswear pioneer, has announced her debut women’s line after winning the BFC/Vogue designer prize. Drawing on her mother’s influence and mentorship from Louise Trotter, the collection mixes signature asymmetrical necklines with playful, feminine details…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Bianca Saunders, long celebrated for her menswear, has taken a bold step into womenswear with the release of her first women’s collection, announced after winning the BFC/Vogue designer prize this year. The collection, titled She Was the Most Beautiful Woman I’ve Ever Seen, pays homage to her mother and showcases a blend of Saunders’ signature menswear elements with fresh, feminine touches.
From Menswear Roots to Women’s Design
Since 2017, Saunders has been crafting menswear, a journey that began during her research project at the Royal College of Art. Early on, she focused on the people around her, observing body language and comfort levels. Over time, women began purchasing her pieces and approaching her at events, which highlighted a mismatch: the garments were designed for a male silhouette and did not fit women as intended. This growing demand prompted Saunders to explore womenswear.
Her transition was encouraged by an unofficial mentor, Louise Trotter, who reached out after Saunders won the Andam Prize in 2022. Trotter’s support and insights into her own design process helped Saunders navigate the shift, inspiring her to rethink fit and style for women.
Inspiration and Design Philosophy
The collection’s title reflects Saunders’ admiration for her mother, Yvonne, a hairdresser and business owner in the mid‑1990s who wore a distinctive canary‑yellow jacket to work. Saunders shared photos of her mother in both that era and a recent beach setting in Jamaica, underscoring the blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair.
While the line retains Saunders’ trademark asymmetric ‘pulled’ neckline and the soft, shirt‑like fit of her gray suit, it diverges from a straight read‑over of menswear. Instead, the designs emphasize a feminine aesthetic: fitted silhouettes, a hot‑pink slip dress, and prints featuring Jamaican sunsets captured during a family holiday. Additional pieces include draped jersey garments and an elevated tracksuit that bridges casual and semi‑formal wear.
Creative Freedom from the Vogue Prize
Winning the BFC/Vogue designer prize has provided Saunders with both resources and creative leeway. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address customer needs and experiment with new silhouettes. “It’s come at a time where I needed to problem‑solve for my customer,” she said, highlighting the prize’s role in enabling her to expand her brand.
What’s Next for Saunders?
With the collection now in production, Saunders plans to showcase the pieces at upcoming fashion events and through her online platform. While the launch marks a significant milestone, the designer remains open to evolving her womenswear line based on feedback and market trends.
As the industry watches Saunders’ transition, the collection signals a broader movement of menswear designers exploring womenswear, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative silhouettes to the runway.
Key facts
- Bianca Saunders expands into womenswear after winning a prestigious prize
- The collection honors her mother and blends menswear cues with feminine details
- Mentorship and prize support were key to the transition
- Signature pieces include an asymmetric neckline and a hot‑pink slip dress
- Future shows and sales plans are underway
Why it matters
Saunders’ move into womenswear showcases how designers can successfully pivot while maintaining brand identity, offering fresh silhouettes that blend masculine and feminine aesthetics.
Frequently asked questions
When will the collection be available?
The line is slated for release in the coming weeks, with full details to be announced at upcoming fashion events.
Will the collection be available in both men’s and women’s sizes?
The current focus is on women’s sizes, though future releases may explore unisex options.
How does the collection reflect Saunders’ menswear background?
It incorporates the brand’s signature asymmetric neckline and relaxed fit, adapted for a female silhouette.
