Walpole unveils ‘Brands of Tomorrow’

Walpole, the trade body that represents the British luxury industry, has announced the next eight brands tipped to become leaders in the high end market including Goat, a label favoured by Victoria Beckham and the Duchess of Cambridge. Now in

its seventh year, Walpole, whose members including Burberry, Harrods and Jimmy Choo, selects brands that have showcased potential for global growth in the luxury sector, and this year’s winner included menswear label Private White V.C. and luxury nightwear brand Olivia von Halle.

Other names tipped to become tomorrow’s “luxury leaders” included Imran Amed, the founder-editor of The Business of Fashion, jewellery designer Rachel Galley, as well as an online community for private jets, a furniture brand offering high-end nursery pieces, and a chocolatier.

The aim of the competition, which attracted more than 130 applicants, is to nurture Britain’s aspiring luxury brand owners, through bespoke coaching and mentoring from some of the UK’s most successful and experienced entrepreneurs.

Goat tipped as brand of tomorrow

Goat, a luxury cashmere specialist who offers a full ready-to-wear collection, focusing on simple aesthetics, will be mentored by Jim Sharp, partner and co-founder of Sirius Equity, while menswear label Private White V.C., which takes inspiration from its family heritage will receive mentoring from John Ayton, chairman of Bremont Watches and Annoushka Jewellery. The other fashion name in the list, luxury nightwear brand Olivia von Halle, known for offering silk print pyjamas is to be mentored by Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods.

John Ayton, founder and chairman of Walpole ‘Brands of Tomorrow’ said: “The programme has mentored some fantastic brands over the last seven years and has an impressive alumni. This year’s brands encompass all the qualities associated with luxury - cutting edge design, quality, craftsmanship and originality. We very much look forward to working closely with them over the coming year and help them reach their full potential.”

Julia Carrick, chief executive of Walpole, added: “The Walpole Brands of Tomorrow programme continues to work with outstanding British companies. The programme provides the brands with an invaluable network and access to a wealth of advice from industry experts. This year’s finalists are a collection of Britain’s most promising and varied businesses and we look forward to working with them”.

Previous recipients of Walpole’s mentoring program have included contemporary jeweller Astley Clarke, shoe designer Charlotte Olympia, watch brand Bremont, accessories brand Lily and Lionel, and swimwear brand Orlebar Brown.