Bethany Williams

Bethany Williams is a sustainable fashion designer, humanitarian and artist. After graduating with a BA in Critical Fine Art Practice at Brighton University and receiving an MA at The London College of Fashion in Menswear, Williams launched the label in 2017 with a mission to create positive social and environmental change in the world.  Since its inception, the label has grown exponentially, establishing itself as a leading figure in the fashion industry when it comes to setting sustainability standards. Each of the seasonal collections is approached from a social manufacturing point-of-view which Williams set up at the core of her business which is built within a framework of a social enterprise. By creating long-standing partnerships with local grassroots organisations such as The Magpie Project as well as international social initiatives including San Patrignano, Making For Change and Manusa, Williams is weaving a growing network of creative hubs which contribute to the making of a better tomorrow. 

 

The design output of Bethany Williams has evolved exponentially while the use of organic, recycled and deadstock materials has remained imperative. From book waste to reclaimed fabrics and hand-carved wooden buttons made from birch – the idea of transforming waste into treasure continues to be explored through the seasons. A merging of sportswear and formalwear describes the melting pot of silhouettes and styles which often go beyond gender expressions and express the beauty of individuality. 

 

Over the years, Williams has accumulated numerous achievements and accolades which include winning the Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design, being the 2019 LVMH Prize finalist as well as receiving three Fashion Awards – as Emerging Menswear Designer in 2019, for her involvement in the Emergency Design Network initiative in 2020 and in 2021 was honoured as one of the Leaders of Change. Williams was a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize and announced as the recipient of the BFC Vogue Fashion Fund 2021.

Written by Dino Bonačić