The London school introduces Bianca Saunders as their latest mentor for the academic year beginning October 2023. The mentorship with the pioneering British designer will enable students to be inspired and enriched whilst growing their skills for a future in fashion, design, and art. Bianca Saunders, known for her innovative aesthetic and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion, will play a pivotal role in influencing the next generation of creatives and leaders. Saunders joins a list of previous powerhouse mentors, which includes Grace Wales Bonner, and Katie Grand in London, and Olivier Rousteing of Balmain for the Paris school.

Bianca Saunders · Creative Director of the Bianca Saunders label
“I am honoured to be a part of the esteemed group of mentors aiding in Istituto Marangoni London’s mission to nurture and shape the future of fashion. I look forward to sharing my experiences, knowledge, and passion for the industry with the students to progress forward as the next generation of designers.”

Saunders is an award-winning designer and the Creative Director of the Bianca Saunders label. In 2018, Bianca Saunders was selected by the British Fashion Council as ‘One To Watch’. Since the inception of her brand, Bianca has been awarded a wealth of titles and accolades, including being selected for the 2019 and 2020 Dazed 100 list and Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ 2020 list. She won The 32nd Andam Grand Prix Fashion Award in 2021. The label debuted its highly anticipated first runway show in Paris in January 2022, with the Autumn Winter 2022 collection entitled, ‘A Stretch’. Saunders presented her SS24 Paris Fashion Week collection ‘Scratch’ in collaboration with century-old label Farah. Saunders’ designs address the tension between tradition and modernity, whilst reinvigorating the evolution of menswear. With her Jamaican British heritage serving as inspiration for the brand, Saunders takes a multidisciplinary approach to design and incorporates cross-cultural allusions into her work. Saunders debuted five looks inspired by Karl Largerfeld’s flair for tailoring at the Met Gala with Usher merging culture with luxury design. Saunders was most recently included in the Business of Fashion’s (BoF) top 500 in 2023. 

Valérie Berdah-Levy · Director at Istituto Marangoni London
“We are delighted to welcome Bianca Saunders to our team at Istituto Marangoni London. Bianca’s creative approach to design aligns perfectly with our commitment to expanding the boundaries of traditional fashion. Her extensive experience and fresh perspective will provide unique and unparalleled insights while inspiring and empowering our students, as they embark on their own journeys within the fashion industry.”                                   

Under Saunders’ mentorship, students can expect an immersive experience that goes beyond the conventional teaching methods. The programme includes a range of invaluable and innovative opportunities, such as:

• Masterclasses: Bianca Saunders will personally lead masterclasses that delve deep into the creative and technical aspects of fashion design.
• Feedback on Student Designs: Bianca will provide individual feedback and guidance to students, helping them refine their designs and collections. 

• Industry Insight from Guest Speakers: To further enrich the mentorship experience, Saunders will invite industry experts to share their knowledge and insights.              

To see Bianca Saunders latest collection, visit: www.biancasaunders.com and Instagram @biancasaunders