UKFT Awards unveils 2015 shortlist

The UK Fashion and Textile Association has unveiled its shortlist for its annual awards taking place next month, including London Fashion Week designer Erdem, menswear label Timothy Everest, and emerging designer Huishan Zhang.

The Designer Business Award is one of the most hotly contests with Erdem up against Imogen Belfield and Teatum Jones, who is also nominated for the Womenswear Award alongside Huishan Zhang and Karl Donoghue.

The Menswear Award will be between Blood Brother, Drake’s and Timothy Everest, while Mi-Pac, Noel Stewart Millinery and Piers Atkinson are nominated for the Accessories Award, and The Bonnie Mob, Ruff and Huddle and Tootsa MacGinty will compete for the Childrenswear Award.

Other nominations include Alex Mullins, Alice Made This, Finlay & Co, Hamilton & Hare and L’Estrange London, all of which are shortlisted for the Rise Newcomer Award, while the Textile Business Award sees Dashing Tweeds, Insley & Nash, and Joshua Ellis & Co all nominated.

There are also awards for British manufacturing, with Corgi Hosiery, Joshua Ellis & Co, and Sourgrape nominated for the Let’s Make It Here Award, while the Exporter Award will be between Alex Begg & Co, Huishan Zhang, and Troubador Goods, and the Lingerie Award will be contested by Asceno by Beautiful Bottoms, Olivia von Halle, and Pistol Panties.

Huishan Zhang and Teatum Jones nominated for two UKFT Awards

In addition, the Natwest Outstanding Achievement Award will also be presented on the night, honouring the long-standing achievements of an individual in the fashion and textile industries. Similarly, the night will see the announcement of the Retailer Award, which recognises an influential retailer and their support of the UK fashion and textile industry.

The nominees were selected by a judging panel, including designers Henry Holland and Patrick Grant, acclaimed journalists Colin McDowell, Melanie Rickey and Bel Jacobs, as well as a number of retail experts including Anita Barr, the buying director at Harvey Nichols and Heather Melville of RBS Group Fashion.

Commenting on the judging, Patrick Grant said: “The nice thing about the UKFT Awards is that it isn’t about heaping praise on designers over high-street brands just for the sake of it – it’s a very level playing field and that’s why it’s a great event.”

Colin McDowell added: “I see my role as a way of making people aware. People are very aware of labels, and some people are aware of where materials come from, but few people could look at a garment and know its origin. We have to look at all the case histories for each nominee. I think that’s exactly what fashion needs – it’s not making a fashion judgement, it’s about practicality.”

The winners will be announced at an award ceremony hosted by model and presenters Jack Guinness and Amber Le Bon in London on May 21.

Previous winners include Christopher Raeburn, accessories brand The Cambridge Satchel Company, retailers Liberty London and Matches.

Images: UKFT Award judging panel