Bentley, Church’s, Smythson, Burberry and dunhill among winners of 2019 Walpole British luxury awards

Dame Zandra Rhodes, Church’s, Bentley Motors, Burberry, Flowerbx, Smythson, Manolo Blahnik x The Wallace Collection and dunhill came up winners yesterday at the Walpole British Luxury Awards in London.

More than 400 luxury marketers from the United Kingdom gathered at The Dorchester Hotel in London’s Mayfair district to fete brands that were in competition for the gongs.

“All of our winners and nominees are fired by the ambition to be the best and to make British luxury a byword for brilliance the whole world over and if tonight is anything to go by, they are succeeding,” said Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, in a statement.

The Walpole is the U.K.’s trade association representing the interests of a $62 billion British luxury sector comprising leather goods and accessories, fashion, fragrance, automotive, hospitality and jewelry.

Guests at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2019 Nov. 18 in London. Image credit: Walpole

Industry recognition

The annual awards ceremony attracts not just luxury brands, but also celebrities at the black-tie affair. English actor, singer and songwriter Laurence Fox was host this year, with attendance from David Walliams, James Nesbitt, Lady Kitty Spencer, Sam Heughan and Max Irons.

Walpole member and Savile Row-trained tailor Kathryn Sargent at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2019 function. Image credit: Walpole

Automaker Bentley Motors this year won the Future Legacy award – a new category that recognizes brands for using heritage to drive innovation for the future.

The Luxury Legend award was given to Dame Zandra Rhodes for her 50-year career as one of the U.K.’s most well-known fashion designs.

Dunhill was named British Luxury Brand for its global impact in terms of sales and exposure in the last year. Manolo Blahnik x The Wallace Collection won the award for Creative Contribution for their critically acclaimed exhibition.

The judging panel comprised the great and good of British luxury. Michael Ward, managing director of department store chain Harrods, was chairman of the panel. Other panelists were Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole; Mark Harvey, CEO of Chapel Down; Gillian De Bono; Michael Morley, CEO of Deutsche Bank UK Ltd.; Mark Henderson, chairman of Gieves & Hawkes; Richard Carter, director of global communications of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; and Frederick Mostert, research fellow at the University of Oxford IP Research Centre.

Walpole chairman and Harrods managing director Michael Ward (left) at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2019. Image credit: Walpole

Here is the list of the 2019 Walpole British Luxury Award winners:

Emerging Talent, in association with Mishcon de Reya – Winner: Flowerbx. Presented by David Walliams

Future Legacy – Winner: Bentley Motors. Presented by Donna Air

Cultural Contribution in association with Harper’s Bazaar – Winner: Josie Rourke. Presented by Lynette Lynton

Luxury with a Heart in association with G.F Smith – Winner: Burberry. Presented by Dr. Sally Uren OBE

British Luxury Overseas, in association with Global Blue – Winner: Smythson. Presented by Lady Kitty Spencer

Luxury Maker, in association with Elite Associates – Winner: Church’s. Presented by Max Irons

Luxury Leader in association with Wearisma – Winner: Ewan Venters, CEO of Fortnum & Mason. Presented by James Nisbett

Legend – Winner: Dame Zandra Rhodes. Presented by Hilary Alexander OBE

British Luxury Brand, in association with Laurent-Perrier – Winner: dunhill. Presented by Sam Heughan

Walpole British Luxury Awards 2019 ceremony in progress. Image credit: Walpole