Finalists in the UK Fashion & Textile Export Awards, which celebrate excellence in international trade, range from sellers of vintage to directional British brands; from newcomers to giants with a long-established worldwide reputation for selling overseas. Organised by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), the Awards, which attracted a record number of entries, will be presented on 13 May 2010 at The Landmark London by HRH The Princess Royal, alongside host campaigner and actress Joanna Lumley.
“Even during a recession, there are some great export stories, which confirms that those businesses that have a unique product range, great organisational structure and well-executed marketing strategies can deliver increased sales and market share,” confirms Paul Alger, deputy director, UKFT. “The weak pound and strong euro has helped this, so too has a return to quality and a renewed interest in sourcing from the UK.As last year, the judges saw an impressive number of applications from companies that have established themselves as the best in their field and have developed over the past three years to become significant international players.”
This year's finalists are:
Accessories: Alex Monroe,Anna Lou of London, Linda Farrow
Footwear: Esska, LXY Brands, Miss L Fire
Heritage: Alan Paine Knitwear, Baracuta, Johnstons Cashmere
High Octane Glamour: Alan Hannah, Anna Scholz, Ariella Fashions
Lingerie: Damaris, Lascivious, Pistol Panties
New Exporter: Bolongaro Trevor, Fiona Paxton, Kite Kids
Small Business: Eribé, Lie Down I Think I Love You, Pistol Panties
Textiles: Begg of Scotland, Marling & Evans, Pittards
Winners of the Contemporary Urban, Designer Business and Gold Awards, the latter sponsored by HSBC Commercial Bank, will be announced on the day.
The judging panel, chaired by Steve Newbold, managing director, Emap Connect, included Muriel Piaser, representing Prêt à Porter Paris, Nick Cook of ITE Moda, Nicola Copping of the Financial Times, Jessica Brown of Drapers and Dolly Jones of VOGUE.COM UK.
The prize list for this year's UK Fashion Export Awards includes stands at Moda Menswear in Birmingham, Prêt à Porter Paris, The Train New York, Mode City Paris & Interfilière and Pure Accessories in London. Other prizes include a subscription to WGSN.com and travel vouchers from Textile Forum. Scottish Development International is also supporting the Awards.
UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)