Dress of the Year 2023

I am so honoured to have been tasked with choosing the Fashion Museum Bath Dress of The Year 2023, especially as it was the year that the British Fashion Council celebrated 30 years of NEWGEN, our world-renowned designer support scheme. We were delighted to select two female designers who have carved out distinct paths in the industry. Bianca’s designs are deeply rooted in her personal British Caribbean identity with her work exploring nuances between traditional tailoring and modern design. With the look I’ve selected, Bianca recreates her own work in a unique and creative way. With Simone’s work you might expect something ultra feminine but actually it’s got a sense of punk-like darkness to it. As a woman, the dress I’ve selected instils a sense of attitude and confidence in you.

“The Dress of the Year collection showcases some of the best of fashion from the last 60 years and is a foundational part of the Fashion Museum Bath’s collection. We’re delighted to have worked with Caroline Rush on this year’s selection and excited to add new work by leading designers Simone Rocha and Bianca Saunders to the collection. Through their work and practice the designers exemplify innovative, cutting-edge contemporary fashion design, which will be an inspiration to future generations. Our ever-growing collection is at heart of the Fashion Museum Bath, and central to our development of the new Museum at the Old Post Office”