Victoria Beckham wins at Walpole Awards 2011

British brands including Mulberry, Alexander McQueen and Victoria Beckham were honoured at last night’s 2011 Walpole Awards in London. Mulberry took home the British Luxury Overseas award; Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen collected the

British Luxury Design Talent award; whilst singer-turned-designer Victoria Beckham received the Emerging British Luxury Brand prize.

The annual awards, which recognise individuals and companies that exemplify British Excellence through their work and achievements, also named men’s e-commerce site Mr Porter as the best British Luxury Brand Online, beating retailers Agent Provocateur and Harrods.

Other winners included Church's English Shoes for Best British Craftsmanship; Selfridge’s eco initiative, Project Ocean was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility prize; and Hermès received the International Luxury Brand award.           

"This year's award winners represent the very best of luxury talent and we are delighted to be able to recognise their outstanding achievements," said Julia Carrick, CEO of Walpole. "The British Luxury industry continues to perform exceptionally well and has grown significantly, with London now the third largest international luxury market in the world. Through incredibly challenging economic times, the luxury sector is showing great resilience and we are confident that it will continue to flourish."
Michael Morley, Chief Executive of Coutts & Co. added, “We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners of the Walpole Awards for Excellence. The awards are the focal point of the luxury industry calendar and honour the outstanding achievements of top tier companies spanning design, craftsmanship, business and culture. Coutts was a founding member of Walpole and we are naturally aligned given our mutual values and strive for excellence. We are delighted to be continuing our support to Walpole and those within the luxury sector.”

The 2011 Walpole Awards were hosted in association with the title sponsor Coutts; category sponsors include Laurent-Perrier, McArthurGlen Group, The Admirable Crichton, Links of London, Ocean Sky, Mishcon de Reya, Coach, Chivas Regal 25, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and Marwyn.

Image: Walpole - Alannah Weston, Creative Director of Selfridges & Emma Hill, Creative Director of Mulberry and Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen collecting her award