The Walpole British Luxury Awards: 2024 Winners

On the evening of Monday, 18th November 2024, The Rake had the privilege to join over 400 creative leaders, executives, and influencers at The Dorchester, Mayfair, for the Walpole British Luxury Awards. The annual celebration, hosted by actress, playwright, and author Zawe Ashton, brought together a remarkable audience, including Luke Evans, Bianca Saunders, Kunal Nayyar, Tinie Tempah, Bianca Jagger, and Yomi Adegoke.

The event honored the extraordinary achievements of British luxury brands and the individuals who champion innovation, craftsmanship, and global cultural relevance. As Helen Brocklebank, Walpole’s Chief Executive, highlighted during her speech, the evening was a tribute to the artisans, craftspeople, and visionaries driving Britain’s £81 billion luxury sector and supporting nearly half a million skilled jobs.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Made in the UK award to Range Rover, celebrated for its pivotal role in driving electrification. With nearly 1,000 highly skilled engineering jobs created and record-breaking profits reinvested to ensure a sustainable future, the luxury automotive brand exemplifies the innovative spirit of British manufacturing. Meanwhile, Jo Malone London captivated the audience with its Creative Collaboration award, earned for a heartwarming campaign featuring Paddington™ that skillfully blended nostalgia with modern storytelling to reach new audiences.

The evening also spotlighted Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the British Fashion Council, who received the Cultural & Social Contribution award. Her efforts to promote British designers on the global stage, nurture emerging talent, and champion sustainability have not only elevated the UK fashion industry but also made it more inclusive and accessible. Erdem Moralıoglu was similarly celebrated, earning the title of Visionary for his ability to merge craftsmanship and heritage with a contemporary sensibility. His evocative runway shows at iconic venues like the National Portrait Gallery and the British Museum underscore his unique dialogue between Britain’s cultural past and its future.

The Game-Changer award went to clothsurgeon, a brand redefining menswear by fusing streetwear with Savile Row tailoring. Founder Rav Matharu made history as the first South Asian designer to open a bespoke streetwear store on Savile Row, introducing a bold, modern spirit to a centuries-old tradition and gaining international recognition in the process.

This year, Walpole continued its tradition of celebrating the intersection of luxury and the arts, with Sir Michael Craig-Martin CBE RA recognized as Artistic Pioneer. Renowned for his vibrant, thought-provoking works and his role as a mentor to the Young British Artists generation, his legacy of creativity and teaching exemplifies the synergy between British cultural institutions and luxury.

Pinnacle of the evening was the announcement of Cunard as British Luxury Brand of the Year. With the launch of its Queen Anne ship — a masterpiece blending heritage and innovation — Cunard demonstrated its ability to redefine luxury sea travel. From its unparalleled onboard art collection to the use of British-sourced ingredients of exceptional quality, Cunard has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots.

The event also celebrated the next generation of luxury talent. Eleven emerging brands were recognised for their completion of the scheme. They represent the very best in British entrepreneurship — maverick spirit, creativity and determination run through them all. 

Photo Credits: Getty Images / Dave Bennet