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Best of British at the Walpole Awards
By Tempus | 1 February 2023 | Culture, Lifestyle
Celebrating the most outstanding brands in the British luxury sector
The great and good of the luxury industry gathered at The Dorchester Hotel on 21 November to celebrate the Walpole British Luxury Awards, hosted by Top Boy and Moon Knight actress Saffron Hocking. The awards, created by the UK’s official body for the luxury sector, honoured outstanding crafts and companies within 10 categories, including made in the UK, creative collaboration, luxury innovation, sustainable luxury brand of the year and british luxury brand of the year.
400 industry creatives, executives and influencers attended the ceremony, with big name guests including Amber Le Bon, Amy Jackson, Eric Underwood, Sharifa Butterfly, Oliver Proudlock and Miquita Oliver.
Walpole’s mission to promote and develop the British luxury sector began in 1992, and it now counts more than 250 brands as members as well as being recognised in both Westminster and Brussels. The £48bn sector creates 15,000 jobs in the UK and, says Walpole, is destined to become a world leader in sustainability.
“This year we received a record number of nominations from British brands at the forefront of innovation, craftmanship, hospitality, design and sustainability, who positively contribute to the evolving economic and cultural impact of British luxury globally,” said Helen Brocklebank, Walpole CEO. “Not only do this year’s winners stand out for their exceptional products and services, but they are notable for their investment in the UK, local economies, employment, arts, and culture which is exactly what this country needs from business right now.”
Walpole also founded its Brands of Tomorrow programme in 2007 to develop and nurture emerging luxury brands and has, so far, taken more than 135 companies through its 12-month programme of networking and mentorship. Here, we meet the biggest names in British luxury – as well as the sector's future stars…
British Luxury Brand of the Year | Gleneagles
This five-star hotel, spa and golf club in Perth, Scotland, has been a jewel in the UK’s crown since it opened in 1926. Known as the ‘Palace in the Glen’, Gleneagles has completed a six-year plan to “reinvigorate the spirit of glamour and adventure” that first put it on the map. (Below left, Gleneagles’ John Barclay and Conor O’Leary with Walpole’s Helen Brocklebank).
Cultural Contribution | Chanel
Founded by French fashion icon Coco Chanel, Chanel is an international powerhouse in the world of fashion, make up, perfume and accessories. Last year, the brand’s global head of arts and culture, Yana Peel (left), founded the Chanel Culture Fund, which supports innovators across the arts in advancing new ideas, broader representation and collaboration.
Luxury Innovation | The Macallan
For exceptional Single Malt Whisky, look no further than The Macallan. With a range of collections to titillate the senses of any connoisseur, the Speyside distillers were recognised for their unique collaboration with Bentley Motors. The two brands launched a limited edition single malt, The Macallan Horizon (opposite), to celebrate their partnership, available 2023.
Great Creative Britons | Michael G Wilson & Barbara Broccoli, Thomas Heatherwick
This award was presented to three creatives who, the organisation says, “enrich the luxury landscape in the UK”. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, producers of the James Bond films, hosted a range of charitable activations through 2022 to celebrate 007’s 60th anniversary, while Thomas Heatherwick (above) was awarded for his The Tree of Trees installation for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Made in the UK | Harris Tweed Hebrides
Harris Tweed Hebrides is a name synonymous with this fine fabric; in fact, the fabric and production method are safeguarded by an Act of Parliament. Unmatched traditional craftsmanship and quality go into every weave, while the brand is also undertaking an impressive rural sustainability initiatives to ensure the future is bright.
Sustainable Luxury Brand of the Year | Mulberry
Mulberry’s Made to Last Manifesto showcased its ongoing commitment to transforming the fashion brand’s entire production method into a regenerative and circular model. The seriously impressive pledge will see Mulberry (right) achieve a circular model by 2030 and become NetZero by 2035.
Creative Collaboration | Fortnum & Mason x The Great British Public for the Platinum Pudding
Fortnum & Mason launched the Platinum Pudding Campaign, inviting the public to create a brand new pudding to mark The Queen’s historic jubilee. The competition was open to anyone over the age of eight and supported by the Royal Household (and the Queen Consort Camilla, below).
Visionary | Edward Sexton
Savile Row tailor Edward Sexton (below right) surely needs no introduction. A key player in the history of British tailoring, his famous clients have included Cary Grant, Annie Lennox, John Lennon, Mark Ronson, Harry Styles, as well as mentoring fashion’s biggest stars, including Stella McCartney.
Luxury Storyteller | British Pullman, a Belmond Train x Wes Anderson
Who wouldn’t want to spend a day in a Wes Anderson film? British Pullman, A Belmond Train, made that possible with a visionary – and visual – collaboration that reimagined the train journey in cinematic style (bottom). From pastel pink ceiling to green carpets and chairs, wooden panels constrasting with bold, sharp lines, this is a travel must.