British not-for-profit trade body Walpole has selected London-based luxury
handbag label Milli Millu and contemporary womenswear brand The Fold as two
of its twelve emerging businesses for its prestigious Brands of Tomorrow
programme.
The Fold and Milli Millu are joined by eye-wear brand Cubitts as well as
British active wear label Monreal London, in making up the fashion line-up
for the Class of 2016. The winners were announced during a ceremony held at
the Abraham Lincoln room at the Savoy last night, with the selected
companies showcasing their products across the hotel following the event.
“What Brands of Tomorrow recognises is the trailblazing brands who are
championing innovation in their sectors,” commented Michelle Emmerson,
Chief Executive Officer of Walpole. “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 51.5 billion
pounds to the UK economy by 2019.”
Currently in its ninth year, the UK luxury brand association initiative
known as Brands of Tomorrow offers the twelve chosen brands bespoke
mentoring from a number of the UK’s leading luxury brands such as Harrods,
Alexander McQueen and Thomas Pink. The selected labels will be offered one
to one tutelage from industry leaders, as well as access to a year-long
workshop programme. In addition, the businesses will also be given access
to Walpole’s membership which consists of over 160 luxury brands and
cultural institutions.
“The Brands of Tomorrow Class of 2016 is one of the most exciting we have
seen, who are eager to get to work alongside some of the luxury industry’s
very best brains,” added Jonathan Heilbron, Chairman of Walpole Brands of
Tomorrow. “In such a highly competitive global marketplace, these brands,
designers and craftspeople are leading the way for the future of luxury.”
Other brands listed for the programme include Solomon & Wu, Auerlia
Probiotic Skincare, Blaze and Noble Isle.
2015 saw Walpole receive a record number of entries for its initiative,
which included Emilia Wickstead, House of Hackney and Rachel Vosper. Since
its start in 2007, Walpole’s Brands of Tomorrow programme has helped over
75 emerging British luxury brands which have gone on to become
international successes in their respective areas, such as Charlotte
Olympia, Lily and Lionel and The Business of Fashion.