4 Designers who Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community to have on your Radar

Meet the LGBTQ+ designers reshaping the fashion landscape with their unique perspectives. Ella Boucht blends traditional tailoring with streetwear, challenging norms with bold silhouettes and vibrant colours. Joy Julius merges Nigerian heritage with London’s edge, crafting gender-neutral designs that emphasise sustainability and social justice. Maximilian Raynor fuses historical elegance with experimental textiles, creating narrative-rich collections, while Saul Nash combines fashion with dance, which celebrates movement and fluidity in his sportswear. These designers are pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the industry, each with a distinct voice and vision that’s propelling fashion into an exciting future.

Ella Boucht

Ella Boucht has been shaking up the fashion world with her fearless approach to style. Hailing from Finland, Boucht seamlessly fuses traditional tailoring with a vibrant streetwear edge, creating pieces that are as bold as they are beautiful. Their designs are a celebration of individuality, challenging gender norms with oversized silhouettes, eye-popping colours, and cutting-edge textiles.

A star graduate of Central Saint Martins, Boucht burst onto the scene with a graduate collection that turned heads and sparked conversations. Their exploration of identity and self-expression resonated deeply, earning accolades and a devoted following. But it was when Rihanna donned one of Boucht’s iconic puffer coats that the designer truly skyrocketed to international fame. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know: who is Ella Boucht?

 

Rooted in their Scandinavian heritage, yet universally appealing, Boucht’s work is a tapestry of influences. They draw inspiration from the serene landscapes of Finland, the bustling energy of urban life, and her own queer identity. Each piece they create is a testament to the power of fashion as a form of personal expression.

Boucht’s mission goes beyond aesthetics; they’re on a quest to make the fashion world more inclusive and diverse. Her designs empower individuals to embrace their true selves, breaking down barriers and building up confidence. With their innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Ella Boucht is carving out a unique space in the fashion industry—one that’s as dynamic and forward-thinking as they are. 

Joy Julius 

Joy Julius is an emerging talent in fashion, blending her Nigerian heritage with London’s contemporary style. A graduate of Kingston University, Julius has made a name for themself with their unique design language that champions sustainability and cultural fusion. Their brand, JOY JULIUS, features gender-neutral designs that utilise the Adire dyeing technique, a traditional Yoruba method, to create modern, vibrant pieces from dead-stock fabrics.

Julius’s work is politically conscious, often reflecting themes of identity and empowerment. Their collections are known for challenging traditional fashion norms, offering clothing that makes wearers feel confident and protected. This ethos was particularly evident during the End SARS movement, where their designs incorporated traditional Nigerian elements to make powerful political statements.

 

Recognised with the FACE Excellence award and the Tommy Hilfiger design scholarship, Julius has been featured in Vogue and supported by the British Fashion Council, underscoring his growing influence in the fashion industry. Committed to social impact, he supports local artisans in Nigeria, integrating traditional craftsmanship into his collections and providing economic opportunities for these communities.

Maximilian Raynor

Maximilian Raynor is swiftly becoming a notable figure in fashion, celebrated for his innovative and narrative-driven designs. Born in Derbyshire and a recent graduate of Central Saint Martins, Raynor fuses historical elegance with experimental textiles, crafting a modern and distinctive style with a strong London influence.

Raynor’s career launched with his graduate collection, “The Ballad of Two Lovers,” which garnered attention from British and Italian Vogue. His work was also featured in a runway show in Rwanda hosted by King Charles III, showcasing his global appeal and unique perspective.

 

Described by Dazed as an “industry favourite,” Raynor has dressed celebrities like Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, and supermodels Paloma Elsesser and Adut Akech. Maximilian Raynor continues to push fashion boundaries with his innovative designs and rich storytelling, making him a designer to watch. His blend of creativity and thoughtful craftsmanship distinguishes him in the contemporary fashion scene.

Saul Nash 

Saul Nash is a visionary British designer who uniquely fuses fashion with dance. Raised in North East London, Nash established his brand in 2018, crafting garments that embody technical precision and fluidity. His designs transcend traditional sportswear, integrating performance elements to create pieces that are both functional and expressive  

A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Nash’s journey into fashion was inspired by his dance background.He sought to combine his understanding of movement and with design, resulting in collections that explore identity that empower the wearers and promote inclusivity through innovative textiles. His debut collection, “The Ballad of Two Lovers,” quickly garnered attention, establishing him as a significant new voice in fashion. Nash’s commitment to redefining sportswear has earned him prestigious awards, including the International Woolmark Prize and the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. His gender-neutral designs challenge traditional norms, aiming to empower wearers and promote inclusivity 

 

Beyond fashion, Nash creates short films that highlight the fluidity of his garments. These films often draw on his personal experiences, connecting with audiences on a deeper level. For Nash, the fusion of fashion and dance is not just about aesthetics but also storytelling and emotional resonance. Saul Nash continues to push the boundaries of contemporary fashion with his innovative designs and dedication to movement, making him a notable figure in the industry. His work celebrates the beauty of movement and seeks to inspire through thoughtful, dynamic design.