UK FASHION & TEXTILE AWARDS 2013
When British royalty backs a fashion industry awards night, you know it’s going to be good. Celebrating the United Kingdom’s unmatched creativity and innovation, the 2013 UK Fashion & Textile Awards paid homage to the best in the industry at London’s historic One Mayfair.
The architecture of One Mayfair, a former church, set the tone for a night of grandeur. An imposing high arched ceiling flanked by archways, complete with an altar at the far end, was built in 1825 for Mayfair’s elite. The refurbished landmark has now become the go-to space for high-profile fashion events in the capital.
The president of UKFT, HRH The Princess Royal welcomed attendees and remained onstage throughout the awards presentation to congratulate the winners. The event was hosted by Myleene Klass.
Partnering with charity Save the Children, the celebrity-packed evening saw a silent auction and a catwalk show produced by London’s premier independent fashion production house, Fashion Scout, styled by top London celebrity stylist, Rebekah Roy. It was then onto the awards. Eleven categories spanned design, export, manufacture and retail with highlights including Emma J Shipley who won the ‘Hotel Indigo UKFT Rise Newcomer’ award for her mathematically structured, luxury silk scarves.
Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden of Tatty Devine – global pioneers of laser-cut Perspex jewellery, took home ‘Accessories Business of the Year’, and after reinventing the basic satchel and growing its business from kitchen to major global exporter within five years, it was no surprise that The Cambridge Satchel Company won ‘Exporter of the Year’.
‘Designer Business of the Year’ went to Christopher Raeburn, who has made his mark in both men’s and womenswear employing up-cycled military fabrics. British model and longstanding patron of the fashion industry, Erin O’Connor, presented his award.
British Olympian Victoria Pendleton awarded Ted Baker with ‘Brand of the Year’, Liberty won ‘Retailer of the Year’ and Nadja Swarovski was in attendance to accept the evening’s ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ on behalf of Swarovski.
John Miln, CEO of UKFT commented, “We are thrilled to be supporting such a deserving group of winners at this year’s newly launched NatWest UK Fashion & Textile Awards. Their talent, creativity and innovation is truly inspiring and we look forward to celebrating this and their future successes with them.”
Article by Courtney Blackman for The Untitled Magazine