If only everyone could say Bianca Saunders was their favourite teacher. The newest addition to Istituto Marangoni London’s impressive mentorship roster (other big names include Grace Wales Bonner, master fashion editor Katie Grand and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing), Saunders has been installed as the latest teacher at the London branch of Italy’s finest fashion school.
Never one for convention nor conformity, Saunders’ own design work has always been pretty distinct. Characterised by drapery that blurs the traditional lines of menswear, it’s a new sort of tailoring that complements and reconstructs the masculine frame all at once. Before even hitting 30, Saunders’ eponymous label has earned an impressive number of accolades. So, it would stand to reason that the Bianca Saunders has a few tips to glean.
After lamenting the “Monday energy” of the dreary November afternoon on which we meet, Saunders perched on the floor of her Hackney studio to tell us a few things about fashion design.
Tell us about your new placement at the Istituto Marangoni London.
Yes! This is actually the second time that I’ve worked with the Marangoni Institute. About two years ago I did an ‘In Conversation With’ during the earlier stages of my journey. But I suppose now, further in my career, having had interns and developed the brand, that puts me in a good place to share the expertise I’ve gathered in a new way.
The added benefit of doing it throughout the course of the year is that the students do get a lot of contact with me. It’s really progressive. When I was growing my brand, it was really something that I did need.
What does it mean to you to be a mentor, especially at this point in your career?
It’s a huge confidence boost but also a huge responsibility to recognise that now I have skills and knowledge to pass down to the next generation of London designers and people joining the industry — one of the hardest industries, in fact, to get into.
