NatWest UK Fashion & Textile Awards 2014 winners announced

The evening saw thirteen awards presented across a diverse selection of categories representing all corners of the industry. House of Holland, Margaret Howell, Christopher Raeburn and Isabel Marant pour H&M were amongst the winners recognised for their achievements.

Hosted by ITV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Susanna Reid, the evening welcomed a stellar line up of industry leaders, VIP’s and celebrities including Jack Guinness, Brix Smith, Jade Parfitt and Jo Wood, all of whom turned out to the exclusive ceremony last night to celebrate the most exciting, innovative and successful UK fashion and textile businesses.

Dame Margaret Barbour was honoured with the NatWest UKFT Outstanding Achievement Award for her exceptional and long-standing contribution to the fashion industry. Bold London label House of Holland won the prestigious UKFT Designer Award, while intricate jewellery brand Alex Monroe received the UKFT Accessories Award. Accomplished British designer, Margaret Howell, walked away with the UKFT Womenswear Brand Award for her contemporary collections.

Innovative designer Christopher Raeburn became a UKFT award winner for the third time as he was awarded the UKFT Menswear Brand accolade, having previously picked up the UKFT Rise Award in 2012 and the UKFT Designer Business Award in 2013.

For the first time in the history of the Awards, the public were invited to vote for their favourite designer collaboration in the newly launched MyDaily UKFT Designer Collaboration Award. Highlighting the runaway success of the collection, the MyDaily readers chose Isabel Marant pour H&M as the worthy winner of the coveted prize.

A swathe of new and emerging businesses also competed for the hotly sought after House of Fraser UKFT Rise Award – an award that supports fashion’s upcoming stars. Impressed by their early success, the judges awarded the prize to African inspired swimwear brand Okun Beachwear.

Continuing UKFT’s ongoing support for fashion and textiles made on UK shores, the CapitB Let’s Make it Here Award was awarded to technical textiles company Milliken European Airbag Products.

Other notable winners on the evening included iconic London and online retailer MATCHESFASHION.COM, who were honoured with the UKFT Retailer Award in recognition of their support of emerging and British brands; Curvy Kate, the specialist lingerie label who picked up the UKFT Lingerie and Beachwear Brand Award; ethical clothing brand Kite Clothing, who took away the UKFT Childrenswear Brand Award, and Luxury Fabrics, whose recent international growth resulted in them winning the Smart Currency UKFT Exporter Award.

John Miln, CEO of UKFT said: “We were inundated with entries for this year’s NatWest UK Fashion & Textile Awards and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate with so many worthy winners. From young businesses just starting out on their journey, to iconic British fashion brands that have shaped the face of the industry, they’re all a testament to the fact that the UK is leading the way in fashion, textiles and design across the globe.”

Alison Rose, Chief Executive Officer Commercial and Private Banking RBS said: "Once again NatWest is delighted to be the headline sponsor of these prestigious awards, recognising the talented individuals in the UK that are creating the most sought after fashion and textiles in the world. One of the most important things we do at NatWest is to support British Enterprise so we're delighted to be able to stand alongside the nominees and winners here tonight and support the people that are at the heart of driving forward the British Fashion Industry.”

Full Winners List

House of Fraser UKFT Rise Award
Okun Beachwear Ltd.

UKFT Accessories Award
Alex Monroe Ltd.

MyDaily UKFT Designer Collaboration Award
Isabel Marant Pour H&M

Smart Currency UKFT Exporter Award Luxury Fabrics Ltd
Edinburgh Woollen Mill UKFT Textile Award

Abraham Moon & Sons
CapitB UKFT Let’s Make it Here Award

Milliken European Airbags Products
UKFT Designer Business Award House of Holland

UKFT Brand Award - Menswear
Christopher Raeburn

UKFT Brand Award - Womenswear
Margaret Howell

UKFT Brand Award - Childrenswear
Kite Clothing

UKFT Brand Award - Lingerie & Beachwear
Curvy Kate

UKFT Retailer Award
MATCHESFASHION.COM

NatWest UKFT Outstanding Achievement Award
Dame Margaret Barbour