Kate Middleton was effortlessly elegant in an olive green suit as she presented a fashion award honoring British design and named after the late Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday.
The Princess of Wales, who herself is known for her thrifty sense of fashion and love for high street designs, opted for a smart two piece suit by Victoria Beckham, which she paired with a statement blouse, as she attended the event at London’s 180 Studios. She was in attendance to present The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at an event hosted by the British Fashion Council (BFC) to celebrate the impact of young British creatives and the UK’s thriving fashion industry, and recognize designers who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.
Now in its eighth year, the award aims to provide continuing recognition of the cultural and trade role the British design and fashion industry has played from the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign until the present day. Each year, it is presented to an emerging British fashion designer who shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and strong sustainable policies.
At the event, Princess Kate visited the winning designer’s pop-up studio and saw how their sustainable designs are created. Following this, the Princess met and viewed designs of recipients and shortlisted designers from the BFC Foundation’s designer initiatives; BFC NEWGEN, BFC Fashion Trust, BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. These initiatives are funded by the BFC Foundation which support the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring. The Funds provide designers with crucial financial support, showcasing opportunities and mentoring as they work to build their brands.
Princess Kate then presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, alongside BFC
CEOs Caroline Rush and Laura Weir.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was first announced and presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 when Queen Elizabeth II made her first visit to London Fashion Week. The award provides a legacy of support for the industry in recognition the role fashion played throughout the late Queen’s reign and continues to play in diplomacy, culture and communications. Her Royal Highness previously presented the award to British menswear designer, Saul Nash, in 2022.
