UKFT to re-launch annual fashion awards

January 25, 2013 (United Kingdom)

Leading industry body the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) is re-launching its annual awards this year in what will be the biggest and most inclusive celebration for the entire fashion and textile industry. The glamorous black tie event will be held at One Mayfair on the evening of 23 May. This unmissable occasion will be UKFT’s grandest Awards event in its 25 year history. The Awards will mark a new partnership with NatWest and the ceremony, formerly known as the Export Awards, have been renamed the NatWest UK Fashion and Textile Awards 2013. To launch the new-look event, UKFT held a flash fashion show at London’s St Pancras Station showcasing some of its outstanding fashion members. Emerging young designers including Charlotte Taylor and The House of Nines were part of the fashion show which surprised unsuspecting commuters making their way home. Orla Kiely, a previous award winner, showcased a SS13 dress and brightened up a cold winter’s journey home. Tatty Devine, another rising star of the industry, provided the sparkling addition to the outfits with their trademark bold accessories. Ariella added glamour to the show with a stunning black dress from its Couture line and a Lambretta suit added quintessential British flair. UKFT chairman Peter Lucas said: “It is a fantastic time to be British and an even greater time to be working in the British fashion and textiles industry. We think we should celebrate this not with a whisper but with a real shout and all the acclaim that the companies and individuals who make up our sector deserve.” He added: “We work tirelessly to support our industry and these Awards will be a wonderful platform to say thank you to those who make the UK fashion industry really standout, be it on a catwalk or in shops around the globe. We are an industry not just of designers but also suppliers, manufacturers and some of the best and most innovative textile businesses in the world. Without them our industry could not exist and they should be recognized for thriving even in such difficult economic times. ” Jonathan Coates, Relationship Director for Retail and Wholesale for Commercial Banking at NatWest said: "We are delighted to be part of the NatWest UK Fashion and Textile Awards 2013 celebrating the fantastic achievements and innovation from across the industry. It is important that RBS does all it can to support innovation and growth which is why we're supporting this event. The fashion industry is a key contributor to UK economy, which is why we've dedicated specialist managers to support the sector, and have international trade advisors in 37 countries to help these businesses expand worldwide.” He added: "There is a real hunger for growth and development across the industry and we are delighted to be able to support such an important contributor to the UK and global economy."

Awards Not only will there be Awards for export but also for design, textiles, best brand, supplier and accessories companies. At a time when Made In Britain has inspired so many headlines, and to support the UKFT Let’s Make It Here Campaign, there will also be a much coveted UK Manufacturing Award. In line with the launch last year of UKFT Rise, for the next generation of the industry, there will be a further Award for the rising star of the industry; a business or individual who is new to the sector but already making their presence felt. Awards presented on the night will be: - UKFT Rise Newcomer Award - Brand of the Year - Designer Business of the Year - Textile Business of the Year - Accessories Business of the Year - Exporter of the Year - Supplier of the Year - Let’s Make it Here UK Manufacturer of the Year - Retailer of the Year - Outstanding achievement Award UKFT members will be invited to vote for retailer of the year and for an outstanding contributor who has helped our industry stand out on the global stage in the last year. The Awards are open to members and non-members of UKFT and can be entered at www.ukftawards.org. The deadline for entries is 8 March 2013. UKFT is proud to be partnering with Save the Children and will be raising money for this important charity on the evening of the Awards.