Good for Stephen Jones: the milliner has been named to Queen Elizabeth II's 2009 New Year Honors list, which recognises today's most innovative and influential designers and tastemakers. Accordingly Jones, who held a retrospective at London's Victoria & Albert Museum last year, has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE. "Around the world, millinery is seen as a uniquely British art and I am proud to be part of that tradition," Jones said.
Amanda Wakeley made the list and earned an OBE for both stocking the fashion industry with elaborate gowns and serving as founding co-chair of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer in the UK. The honour capped off an exceptional year for the designer, who successfully bought back her label from an investor in the midst of financial scandal. Michelle Mone, who founded Glasgow-based lingerie brand MJM International, Ultimo's parent company, earned an OBE of her own.
Graeme Black Pre-Show, London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009
Graeme Black took top honours as Scottish Designer of the Year at last night's Scottish Fashion Awards, organised in association with Vogue.com. "Despite the incredible talent of his competition, it was a pleasure to see Graeme win," says Dolly Jones, Vogue.com editor and SFA judge. "His is a classic style infused with modern details, often inspired by his Scottish heritage, so it seems fitting that he should take this year's prize."
Other winners at the ceremony, held at Stirling Castle, included Hall of Fame inductee Pam Hogg, Scottish Retailer or the Year Michelle Mone (of Ultimo) and Scottish Textile Brand of the Year Harris Tweed Hebrides. Gillian Cook earned the Model of the Year prize, and Communcator of the Year was Nick Ede.
Max Drummey's ex-wife should be happy about snagging a six-figure sum as the next model for lingerie brand Ultimo. Company boss Michelle Mone set her sights on 20-year-old Peaches Geldof after spotting topless beach pictures of her in News of the World. And says The Peach? "I'd rather young girls were looking at a normal body like mine rather than an anorexic model."
