The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, made an embargoed appearance today and presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The event was hosted by the British Fashion Council at the Design Museum in Kensington, London.
You might remember the splash Queen Elizabeth made in 2018 during London Fashion Week when Her Majesty presented the first-ever British design award to the emerging designer Richard Quinn. Since then The Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, and the Countess of Wessex all had the honor in subsequent years. Today in the Platinum Jubilee Year, The Duchess of Cambridge carried on that legacy.
About the visit, Kensington Palace said,”
Now in its fifth year, the award aims to provide continuing recognition of the cultural and trade role the British design and fashion industry has played, and continues to play, throughout Her Majesty’s reign. The inaugural award was announced and presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 when the Queen paid her first visit to London Fashion Week.
Upon arrival at the Museum, The Duchess of Cambridge was greeted by the British Fashion Council’s chief executive Caroline Rush. At the event, the Duchess met with British Fashion Council Chair Stephanie Phair and designers. She viewed the designs of recipients from the British Fashion Council Foundation’s designer initiatives; NEWGEN, Fashion Trust and BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. These funds provide up-and-coming designers with financial support, showcasing opportunities, and mentoring as they work to build their brands. Previous winners have included Alexander McQueen and Erdem.
Then Catherine met with the representatives from the British Fashion Council and the wider fashion industry. The Duchess presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design and watched an immersive fashion show from the winner of the award.
The Award was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy. The trophy of the award itself was inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s rose. It was hand-produced in 2018 by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham’s famous jewelry quarter. The award is given to an emerging British fashion designer of womenswear, menswear, or accessories that shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or strong sustainable policies.
The Duchess of Cambridge gave a small speech and announced the winner. “Thank you so much! It is an absolute honor to be here today. I’ve heard so many inspiring stories about British Creativity and seen such incredible work from many talented designers. Well done and congratulations to all of you. So, it, therefore, me great pleasure in this Platinum Jubilee year to announce the winner of the Queen Elizabeth II award – Saul Nash“.
The winner of this edition is London-born Saul Nash, a multi-faceted choreographer, movement director, and menswear designer. His collections bridge the gap between menswear and sportswear. He launched his eponymous brand in 2018 and showed it for three seasons at Fashion East, Lulu Kennedy’s platform for emerging designers, before going it alone in 2021. A highly decorated with awards despite his young age, the 29-year-old recipient of NEWGEN, won the 2022 International Woolmark Prize last week and has previously been named an LVMH Prize 2021 semi-finalist and a member of Highsnobiety’s THE NEXT 20 list.
For the day, The Duchess chose a gorgeous look and debuted Edeline Lee Pedernal Dress. Thanks to Caroline Parr for the id. The idea of picking a dress from an up-and-coming designer was on par with the event. The Canadian-born British designer, Edeline Lee graduated from Central Saint Martins and launched her eponymous label in 2014. She is known for her immersive and performative shows at London Fashion Week.
The £785 High Draped Neck Dress with Dropped Shoulders, Tie Detail Sleeves and Fitted Flare Skirt was described as, “The Pedernal Dress has ease and elegance to its fit, with a loose-fitting bodice, high neck and fitted waist with a removable belt featuring Ivory fabric covered buckles. The skirt has a slimline that flares at the hem and adjustable tie closure at the elbow. The Pedernal Dress works beautifully on a wide range of body types. It is easy and comfortable, but simultaneously sleek and elegant.” The dress is currently available in all sizes.
Catherine paired the outfit with her Emmy London Green Suede Clutch
and Emmy London Green Suede Rebecca Pumps.
Catherine was wearing her Nadia Irena Maya Earrings that she first wore in March 2022 during the Bahamas day one.
Kensington Palace today announced another engagement schedule for The Duchess of Cambridge. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the official opening of the Glade of Light Memorial on May 10 in Manchester. The memorial commemorates the victims of the 2017 terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. It honors the 22 people whose lives were taken, many of whom were children as well as remembering everyone who was left injured or affected. A white marble ‘halo’ ring sits at its heart, with the names of those who lost their lives set in bronze upon it.
