On the Opening Day of The Qatar Goodwood Festival, Fashion designer Bora Aksu reveals stunning couture gowns inspired by Goodwood’s history.
Bora Aksu was announced winner of this year’s Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award, in association with the British Fashion Council in May. Known for his romantic signature style, with a darker twist and hints of nostalgia, Bora is hailed for bringing emotion through storytelling to his collections, which harbour muted colours, volume and handcrafted embroidery with exquisite detailing. For over 20 years, Bora has been known for his demi -couture feminine looks and has been recognised with the New Generation Award four years in a row, now a regular at London Fashion Week. His passion for vintage and rejected fabrics has been an integral part of the business over the last few years, and breathing life into the past fits perfectly with his artistic vision.
The three gowns were all created using vintage lace and fabric, which add to the beauty and romance of his signature style and sustainable ethos. Inspired by numerous portraits of Duchesses from the Goodwood Collection, as well as the interiors of Goodwood House, Bora has taken the historic references embedded in Goodwood’s history and interpreted them into a fresh, modern romantic look.
The Duke of Richmond says: “Bora is a designer who has embraced that quintessentially English look of romance with a twist - a philosophy that fits perfectly with Goodwood’s fashion legacy. We have always been known for an ‘England in the Summer’ way of dressing, ever since King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry came racing during the 19th century, and today encourage this relaxed yet glamorous style. Bora’s work also embodies a strong sense of storytelling and I’m excited that the stories of Goodwood have inspired his creations. He has a passion for vintage and reclaimed fabric, which is very close to our hearts. The Talent in Fashion award is allowing us to build a unique collection of one-off pieces and we are thrilled that Bora’s gowns will become part of the Goodwood Collection.”
The award, now in its fourth year, was created to recognise rising home-grown talent and last year’s winner Sohee Park set the bar by creating three spectacular dresses for the Goodwood Collection. The three gowns designed by Bora will be revealed during the Opening Ceremony of the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Tuesday 30th July 2024 and will provide a head-turning moment during the headline horseracing fixture, which is one of the undisputed highlights of the British Flat racing season and known throughout the country for its signature garden party style.
The Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award is held every year with the winning designer selected by a panel of judges that includes The Duke of Richmond, Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, Sian Westerman, Non-Executive Director, British Fashion Council and Lydia Slater, Editor of Harper’s Bazaar. The pieces are kept at Goodwood House and form part of the Goodwood Collection.
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