Walpole unveils Brands of Tomorrow Class of 2016

British not-for-profit trade body Walpole has selected London-based luxury handbag label Milli Millu and contemporary womenswear brand The Fold as two of its twelve emerging businesses for its prestigious Brands of Tomorrow programme.

The Fold and Milli Millu are joined by eye-wear brand Cubitts as well as British active wear label Monreal London, in making up the fashion line-up for the Class of 2016. The winners were announced during a ceremony held at the Abraham Lincoln room at the Savoy last night, with the selected companies showcasing their products across the hotel following the event.

Four fashion brands listed amongst Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow Class of 2016

"What Brands of Tomorrow recognises is the trailblazing brands who are championing innovation in their sectors," commented Michelle Emmerson, Chief Executive Officer of Walpole. "Discovering and nurturing new talent is a leading priority for Walpole and our members, and as luxury industry leaders it is our responsibility to ensure the future success and sustainability of a sector which is forecast to be worth 51.5 billion pounds to the UK economy by 2019."

Currently in its ninth year, the UK luxury brand association initiative known as Brands of Tomorrow offers the twelve chosen brands bespoke mentoring from a number of the UK's leading luxury brands such as Harrods, Alexander McQueen and Thomas Pink. The selected labels will be offered one to one tutelage from industry leaders, as well as access to a year-long workshop programme. In addition, the businesses will also be given access to Walpole's membership which consists of over 160 luxury brands and cultural institutions.

"The Brands of Tomorrow Class of 2016 is one of the most exciting we have seen, who are eager to get to work alongside some of the luxury industry’s very best brains," added Jonathan Heilbron, Chairman of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow. "In such a highly competitive global marketplace, these brands, designers and craftspeople are leading the way for the future of luxury." Other brands listed for the programme include Solomon & Wu, Auerlia Probiotic Skincare, Blaze and Noble Isle.

2015 saw Walpole receive a record number of entries for its initiative, which included Emilia Wickstead, House of Hackney and Rachel Vosper. Since its start in 2007, Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow programme has helped over 75 emerging British luxury brands which have gone on to become international successes in their respective areas, such as Charlotte Olympia, Lily and Lionel and The Business of Fashion.