NatWest UK Fashion & Textile Awards shortlist revealed

26 Mar '14

3 min read

Leading industry body the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has revealed the shortlist for its highly anticipated red carpet event, the NatWest UK Fashion & Textile Awards, including bold womenswear label House of Holland, heritage men’s accessories brand Drake’s, and luxe nightwear designer, Olivia von Halle.

The highly sought-after UKFT Rise Award for burgeoning fashion businesses was whittled down to a tight shortlist of three, including contemporary menswear label Hentsch Man, African-inspired swimwear brand Okun Beachwear and the edgy, Native Youth.

Visionary designer Christopher Raeburn, along with Luke Roper and Oliver Spencer, will compete for the Menswear Brand Award, while Little Mistress, Margaret Howell and House of Holland vie for the Womenswear Brand Award. Some of the UK’s most important textile businesses are also recognised including, Nottingham lace producer Litmans, silk weaver, Vanners, and historic woollen mill Abraham Moon, all of whom are shortlisted for the Textile Business Award.

Steered by Hilary Alexander OBE, this year’s panel of judges deliberated over a record number of entries to select the final shortlist. Looking not only for excellence in design and creativity, the judges also evaluated commercial performance and innovations that allowed these businesses to truly soar over the past 12 months; despite difficult economic conditions.

The prestigious gala evening, which will take place at East London’s iconic Tobacco Dock on 22nd May 2014, attracts a stellar line-up of fashion industry leaders, designers and A-List celebrities. Compèred by ITV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Susanna Reid, this year’s Awards will see the UK’s most inspiring, original and successful fashion businesses vie for the coveted trophies.

UKFT Chief Executive John Miln said: “Following on from the success of last year’s Awards, we have been inundated with a record number of entries this year. From emerging young design talent and influential retailers, to some of the UK’s most impressive manufacturers, the judges had their work cut out with such a strong and diverse range of businesses in the running.”

He added: “As the most inclusive trade body for the UK fashion and textile industry, we pride ourselves on offering the support these businesses need to grow and flourish – whether they’ve been running for twelve months or twelve years. The achievements of these companies, even through tough financial times, show that the UK are truly world leaders in fashion and textiles. We can’t wait to celebrate these successes with them at the Awards in May.”

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