The Princess of Wales was waving the British fashion flag on Tuesday morning, presenting The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell, a luxury sustainable fashion designer.
Catherine arrived for the award presentation, hosted by the British Fashion Council, in an olive-green Victoria Beckham pantsuit and white blouse. The royal’s fashion sense has spawned an estimated £ billion per year for the industry.
McDowell, a luxury fashion designer, created a display of his mannequins and designs to showcase his sustainable practices. On his brand’s website, their mission is stately simply: “Rooted in sustainability, our products are made to last and made to love.” He launched his line in 2018 and is also committed to low carbon transmissions.
Catherine also viewed the designs from other fashion designers who’d been shortlisted for other British Fashion Council awards including the BFC NEWGEN, BFC Fashion Trust, BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, according to Kensington Palace.
The royal then presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to McDowell.
After the presentation McDowell told The Telegraph that “this kind of support is invaluable. It provides a game-changing stamp of approval for our circular luxury brand.”
Of meeting Catherine, he said: “I was already on cloud nine, but then to meet the Princess, to see her genuine interest in craftsmanship was really amazing. She was interested in the creative point of view. We’re narrative-led and she was really amazed by the stories and the embroiderers.”
Speaking through the British Fashion Council, he said, “I’m honoured to receive this award from HRH The Princess of Wales today, and join esteemed peers as a recipient. Thank you to the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Family and the British Fashion Council who support British craft, British talent and sustainability on a global stage.”
Kensington Palace shared on social media: “Honoured to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to @patrick__mcdowell.
“A huge well done to Patrick, whose bold, sustainable vision is helping to shape the future of British fashion. Their commitment to creativity, community and circular design is truly inspiring.”
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was first presented in 2018 by the late queen, and has been presented by a rotating list of royals in the years since. Catherine previously presented the award to Saul Nash, a menswear designer, in 2022.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at an event hosted by the British Fashion Council (BFC) at London’s 180 Studios to celebrate the impact of young British creatives and the UK’s thriving fashion industry, and recognise designers who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.
