Renowned monitors of taste Walpole reveal the brands they think will be making waves in the next 12 months
Last night Walpole revealed the 2016 selections for its Brands of Tomorrow programme. The line-up includes “trailblazing innovators who have caught the attention of the world of luxury, considered to be paving the way for generations to come”.
The winners were revealed last night [January 18th], in the Abraham Lincoln room at The Savoy. The renowned hotel welcomed the chosen Brands of Tomorrow to showcase their products across the hotel following the event.
The programme provides the 12 chosen brands with bespoke learning, under the mentorship of leaders from some of Britain’s top luxury brands [Thomas Pink, Harrods, Bremont, The Savoy, Rolls Royce and Alexander McQueen amongst others].
Via carefully tailored learning including one-to-one tutelage from industry leaders and a year-long workshop schedule, selected brands are also given access to Walpole’s established membership of over 160 brands, including Britain’s most prestigious brands and cultural institutions.
Michelle Emmerson, CEO of Walpole, said the idea was to recognise “trailblazing brands who are championing innovation in their sectors”.
“Discovering and nurturing new talent is a leading priority for Walpole and our members, and as luxury industry leaders it is our responsibility to ensure the future success and sustainability of a sector which is forecast to be worth £51.5bn to the UK economy by 2019,” she continued.
THE SELECTED 2016 BRANDS OF TOMORROW
· The Fold: New contemporary womenswear label now recognised as the go-to lifestyle brand for high-profile dressing by women worldwide.
· Blaze: Global urban cycling brand founded in 2012 by Emily Brooke, whose flagship bike light has been installed into London’s renowned Santander Cycles.
· Milli Millu: London-based luxury handbag brand which has captivated top-ranking business women, global fashion editors and celebrities alike.
· Half Hitch Gin: After rediscovering one of London’s former long-forgotten gin glories in Camden Lock, Mark Holdsworth developed his multi-award winning spirit, Half Hitch Gin.
· Richard Brendon: Passionate about regenerating heritage craft industries, Richard Brendon’s skill lies in transforming past elements into striking modern designs.
· Aurelia Probiotic Skincare: A new British skincare brand providing women with next generation probiotic technology, selected by Net-a-Porter just 8 weeks into trading.
· Cubitts: Cubitts’ concept of modestly priced, handmade spectacles and sunglasses in classic British styles saw The Guardian name them Start-up of the Year.
· Monreal London: Founded by Stefani Grosse in 2012, British active wear brand Monreal is defining the field of Luxury Active wear, with high-quality designer aesthetics combined with technical performance.
· Noble Isle: Inspired by the natural and cultural riches of the British Isles, each Noble Isle product leaves a unique impression set to become the new tradition in luxury bathing.
· Penrose Products: With sustainability and quality at the heart of their operation, British Manufacturer Penrose offer luxury natural fibre bedding of unprecedented sustainability.
· Solomon & Wu: A unique combination of craftsmanship, innovation and product is sought out by the finest architects around the world, with the brand proudly continuing a tradition of manufacturing British modern heritage pieces for the global luxury market.
· Tom Raffield: Practical in form and beautiful in nature, Tom Raffield’s heirloom worthy luxury handcrafted wooden lighting and furniture designs have been championed as the antiques of the future.
