Shortlist announced for UKFT Awards 2014

UK Fashion & Textile Association has unveiled its shortlist for the annual Natwest UKFT Awards, including London Fashion Week label House of Holland, heritage men’s accessories brand Drake’s, and luxe nightwear designer, Olivia von Halle. Henry Holland’s bold womenswear label House of Holland has been

shortlisted in two categories, it will be up against Little Mistress and Margaret Howell for the Womenswear Brand Award, as well as Damaris Ltd and Matthew Miller in the UKFT Designer Business Award category.

The Menswear Brand Award shortlist will see Christopher Raeburn competing against Luke Roper and Oliver Spencer, while edgy menswear label Native Youth is up against contemporary label Hentsch Man and African-inspired swimwear brand Okun Beachwear for the highly sought-after UKFT Rise Award for burgeoning fashion businesses.

UKFT Chief Executive John Miln said: “Following on from the success of last year’s Awards, we have been inundated with a record number of entries this year. From emerging young design talent and influential retailers, to some of the UK’s most impressive manufacturers, the judges had their work cut out with such a strong and diverse range of businesses in the running.”

House of Holland nominated for two UKFT Awards

In addition, some of the UK’s most important textile businesses are also recognised including, Nottingham lace producer Litmans, silk weaver, Vanners, and historic woollen mill Abraham Moon, all of whom are shortlisted for the UKFT Textile Award.

Other nominations include Angel’s Face, Emile et Rose and Kite Clothing all competing in the UKFT Childrenswear Brand Award, while Olivia von Halle is up against Curvy Kate and Beautiful Bottoms London in the UKFT Lingerie and Beachwear Brand Award, and the UKFT Accessories Award will be between Alex Monroe, Drake’s and Simon Carter.

There is also a public vote category, the UKFT Designer Collaboration Award, which includes Eudon Choi for River Island Design Forum, Isabel Marant for H&M, Liberty x Nike, Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop and Oscar De La Renta for The Outnet, with the winner being decided by readers of MyDaily.

Winners will be announced at the gala evening hosted by Susanna Reid on May 22 at East London’s Tobacco Dock.

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

Image: House of Holland