Best in show: The Walpole British Luxury Awards 2018

The 17th annual edition of the Walpole British Luxury Awards was a star-studded affair celebrating the luxury industry’s standout individuals, brands and experiences. Hosted at the elegant Ballroom at The Dorchester, Monday’s dreary November rain was no deterrent to the event’s some-375 guests, who turned up in their droves donning smart black-tie attire.

After a Laurent-Perrier champagne reception and delectable three-course dinner of gin-and-tonic salmon, roast duck with sweet potato puree, and passionfruit and mango dacquoise, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank gave a short speech. Then, it was time for world-famous actor Jason Isaacs to take to the stage to host the awards ceremony – donning a tux by Walpole member Henry Poole & Co, naturallement. Some of the top prizes included Luxury Legend, which footwear designer Manolo Blahnik received in recognition of his stellar 40-year career, alongside British Luxury Overseas, as won by Fortnum & Mason. Luxury travel specialist Belmond scooped the coveted British Luxury Brand award, while the V&A’s Fashioned from Nature exhibition won Luxury With a Heart.

Following the awards, attendees enjoyed an after-party hosted by the Dovetail Agency Cocktail Club, in which Royal Salute whisky and The Lakes Explorer gin and tonics – not to mention the ever-present champers – were enjoyed against DJ sets and a live sax session.

The Walpole British Luxury Award Winners:

British Luxury Brand (in association with Laurent-Perrier)

Belmond, hotels & luxury travel

Luxury Legend (in association with The Times Luxx & Style)

Manolo Blahnik, footwear designer

Luxury Leader (in association with G.F. Smith)

Alison Loehnis, President of Net-a-Porter & Mr Porter

Luxury Maker of the Year (in association with Elite Associates)

Mulberry, leather bags, accessories, womenswear & travel collections

British Luxury Overseas (in association with Forter)

Fortnum & Mason, luxury department store

Creative Collaboration (in association with LetsBab)

Royal Ballet x Erdem, costume designs for international celebrations of the Leonard Bernstein centenary

Luxury with a Heart (in association with MyLoveAffair)

V&A: Fashioned from Nature, an exhibition exploring the relationship between style and the natural world

Cultural Contribution (in association with Wearisma)

Natalie Livingstone & Tina Brown: Cliveden Literary Festival

The Brands of Tomorrow Award for Emerging Talent (in association with Mishcon de Reya)

DeMellier, handcrafted bags. Luke Edward Hall, interiors. Rory Dobner, illustration & homeware. The Vampire’s Wife, womenswear.

For more details about Walpole, visit thewalpole.co.uk