British Luxury shines at The Walpole Awards 2024

The Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024, held at The Dorchester in Mayfair, brought together 400 leading figures from the UK's luxury sector to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and global impact of British luxury brands and talent. The evening was a dazzling display of talent and creativity with awards presented across a wide range of categories, from fashion and design to sustainability and cultural contribution. Walpole' CEO Helen Brocklebank welcomed the guests and the awards were hosted by actress Zawe Ashton. Notable presenters included Luke Evans, Bianca Saunders, Kunal Nayyar, Harry Lambert, Bianca Jagger, Tinie Tempah, Yomi Adegoke and Gizzi Erskine. SPHERE's Online Editor and ILN CEO, Lisa Barnard, joined for the awarding action.

Who received the top award for British Luxury Brand of the Year 2024?

A testament to the enduring power of British craftsmanship and heritage, the awards highlighted brands and individuals who are not only preserving tradition but also pushing the boundaries of luxury in exciting new directions. The top honour, British Luxury Brand of the Year, was awarded to Cunard in recognition of its record-breaking commercial performance in 2024.

This year also marked the launch of Cunard's new ship, Queen Anne, a testament to its commitment to elevating luxury sea travel. Through partnerships with British artisans, on-board productions by award-winning producers and an outstanding art collection, Cunard was recognised for its commitment to providing exceptional guest experience.

SPHERE’s highlights of winners of the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024

The  Walpole awards strive to shine a light on the role of collaboration and creative partnerships that are driving the success of British luxury. Range Rover was awarded the Made in the UK award for its commitment to electrification and the creation of 950 new engineering jobs in the UK.

Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the British Fashion Council (BFC), was honoured with the Cultural & Social Contribution award, recognising her dedication to promoting British fashion globally, and her work in driving sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Her central role in initiatives, such as London Fashion Weekend, have helped to ensure that fashion is accessible to all as she continues to nurture new talents from across the UK.

Erdem Moralıoglu, who received support from the BFC during its early years, was named Visionary. For his artful storytelling, timeless elegance, and dedication to craftsmanship. Having hosted impactful runway shows at the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, his takes on British fashion create a meaningful dialogue between the past and the future.

The Creative Collaboration award went to Jo Malone London for its endearing partnership with Paddington™. This limited-edition fragrance captivated global audiences with its blend of nostalgia, storytelling (and marmalade).

The Game-Changer award was presented to clothsurgeon for its ground-breaking concept of merging streetwear with Savile Row tailoring. Rav Matharu, clothsurgeon’s founder, was the first South Asian designer to open a bespoke streetwear store on Savile Row in a move that gained both worldwide recognition and intrigue.

Sustainability was a key theme throughout the evening, reflecting the growing importance of responsible practices within the luxury sector. The Glenturret Distillery, Scotland's oldest working distillery, was named Sustainable Luxury Brand of the Year. For its impressive efforts in reducing waste, water and energy usage while maintaining traditional whisky-making methods.

The Walpole British Luxury Awards also underscored the interconnectedness of luxury and the arts. Sir Michael Craig-Martin CBE RA, a celebrated artist and influential mentor, was named Artistic Pioneer. As he is currently showcasing his biggest retrospective in his 60-year career at the Royal Academy, his unique works and support of Young British Artists continue to inspire all of those around him.

Chef and restaurateur, Ruthie Rogers, and British Nigerian artist and designer, Yinka Ilori MBE were both recognised as Great Creative Britons. Ruthie Rogers has successfully led her Michelin starred restaurant, The River Café, as a London hotspot for nearly 40 years, where she has become a champion of seasonal produce-led dishes as a more sustainable approach to her menus.

On the other hand, Yinka Ilori’s boundary-pushing work, injecting colour into furniture and public spaces celebrates community and heritage, whilst bringing joy to everyday spaces. This award truly highlights the crucial role that artists and cultural institutions play in inspiring and shaping the world of luxury.

Emma Appleton and Anais Gallagher presented the 11 young businesses that completed the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow 2024 programme. Each tasked with mentoring up-and-coming luxury brands, these names all showcase exceptional creativity, entrepreneurship, and dedication.

What is the importance of the Walpole British Luxury Awards?

Helen Brocklebank, Walpole’s Chief Executive, emphasised the success of Britain’s £1.8bn luxury sector. Crediting it to the skilled artisans and visionaries who work tirelessly to uphold its legacy. She said, “Each award given tonight not only honours those accepting their trophy on stage but pays tribute to the nearly half-a-million skilled, sustainable jobs supported by UK luxury brands nationwide.”

Congratulations to all of the winners of the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024, for more details visit: https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/british-luxury-awards and read our highlights from last year's awards here