Mulberry scoops top prize at Walpole Awards

Fashion

Last night, Walpole, the not-for-profit organisation that represents the British luxury industry, crowned Mulberry as its British Luxury Brand of the year at its annual Walpole Awards for Excellence awards. The luxury accessories and apparel label

fought off tough competition from the likes of Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Harrods to scoop the top accolade that honours a British luxury brand that has had the “greatest national impact in terms of sales, customer service, and business and media exposure” in 2012.

Heritage

brand Burberry, who were nominated for three awards, won best Luxury Brand Online, beating off Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co, Aston Martin and Orlebar Brown for its innovation and presence online.

There was also success for swimwear brand Orlebar Brown, who outshined Monica Vinader, Mr. Hare, Roksanda Ilincic and Zoe Jordan, to be named Best Emerging British Luxury Brand by a judging panel that included BFC’s Caroline Rush and Brown’s Fashion Joan Burstein.

This year Walpole also awarded two Medals of Excellence, a unique mark of recognition made on behalf of the Walpole members, to Olympic rower Katherine Grainger MBE and Paralympic sprint runner Jonnie Peacock for their “outstanding sporting success”.

Julia Carrick, chief executive of Walpole, said: “This year’s Walpole award winners represent some of the most talented organisations from across the luxury industry and we are delighted to recognise their exceptional achievements.”

Image: Mulberry AW12