The founder of namesake label Ahluwalia will receive a £150,000 ($211,500) cash prize, 12 months of business mentoring and pro-bono legal services.

The judging panel said Ahluwalia stood out for her strong designs, business sense and ability to chime with modern consumers.

“Priya proved to be the strongest candidate showing incredible creativity along with a business strategy that embodies the future of British fashion, with environmental and socially positive practices at the core of the brand,” said British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush.

Shortlisted designers included Bethany Williams, Bianca Saunders, Feng Chen Wang, Nicholas Daley and Stefan Cooke.