The York-based knitwear designer was also awarded Woolmark’s Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, the second time one designer has received both prizes in their current iteration.

Bovan stood out to the panel of judges, including BoF’s Tim Blanks and designer Thom Browne, who praised his technically advanced jacquard weave design and creative approach to sourcing and sustainability. 

The other finalists shortlisted for the prize were Bethany Williams, Casablanca, Kenneth Ize, Lecavalier and Thebe Magugu.