Angela Ahrendt honored at Walpole Awards for Excellence

Last night was the 12th annual award ceremony held by Walpole

British Luxury for Excellence, which recognizes the best in the British luxury Industry. The ceremony took place at the Banqueting House in Whitehall and among the winners were vested luxury names like Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen and Nicholas Kirkwood.

Ahrendt awarded prestigious Meal of Excellence

In comparison to last year ceremony, this year Walpole chose to award a single Medal of Excellence, which was given to Angela Ahrendts, for her 'monumental success in reinventing Burberry and her significant contribution to putting the British Luxury Brand back on the map.' Ahrendts, who will be leaving Burberry after working for the company for eight years to join Apple Inc, was “humbled and honored” when she accepted her award from Walpole chairman Ben Hughes. She added that she was very “proud to be passing the baton to Mr. Bailey,” when she steps down from her role as CEO next year.

Walpole also gave its first posthumous Lifetime achievement award to the late interior designer David Collins, who was the brain behind some of London's most famous interiors, such as The Wolsley, Claridge's bar and Harrod's store concept for Jimmy Choo and Alexander McQueen. Julia Carrick, chief executive at Walpole British Luxury was also awarded a Lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the organization over the past 13 years. Other winners at the 2013 Walpole Awards for Excellence included Gucci, for Best International Luxury Brand, Nicholas Kirkwood for Emerging British Luxury Brand, Paul Smith for Best British Luxury Design Talent and Alexander McQueen for British Luxury Brand.

Hughes commented that, “this year’s Walpole Awards for Excellence have again demonstrated the incredible level of talent across the luxury industry. It has been an opportunity to celebrate those truly outstanding individuals and organizations that continue to innovate and provide products and services that are truly exceptional.” Michelle Emmerson, Managing director at Walpole added, “Over the coming year we will push Walpole British Luxury forward, focusing on our international associates and network, and consolidate the message that the luxury industry is an essential driver for the economic success and international reputation of Great Britain.”

Walpole British Luxury is a none-profit organization which was founded in 1990 to promote British Luxury goods in the UK and now represents over 175 luxury brands throughout the country.