The prestigious Drapers Awards celebrated its winners on 13 November 2024, marking a significant night in the fashion industry.
- Renowned comedian Josh Widdicombe hosted the event, delighting the attendees with his humour.
- Categories ranged from Best Marketing Campaign to Leader of the Year, showcasing a diverse array of talents.
- Marks & Spencer and Nobody’s Child triumphed as major winners, each taking home multiple accolades.
- Industry leaders gathered at the HAC in London, solidifying the event’s reputation as the ‘Oscars’ of fashion retail.
On 13 November 2024, the fashion industry’s elite congregated at the HAC in London for the Drapers Awards. Often likened to the ‘Oscars’ of fashion retail, this ceremonial gathering saw the celebration of the sector’s leading figures and institutions. Josh Widdicombe, a popular comedian, spiritedly hosted the evening, enhancing the festive atmosphere with his wit.
Among the various award categories, Best Marketing Campaign stood out, recognising efforts from companies of different sizes. George at Asda clinched the title for companies with a turnover exceeding £100 million with its ‘Uniform for the People’ campaign. In contrast, Weird Fish earned the accolade for businesses under the £100 million mark with ‘The Outsiders’ campaign.
Seasalt won the Best Place to Work award, a category sponsored by ESW. The category highlighted companies that excel in providing an exceptional work environment. In terms of innovative retail spaces, Yellow Octopus distinguished itself, securing the Best Store Design award for its Circular Solutions x Lululemon Paris Pop-Up Store.
Diversity and accessibility in fashion received significant attention. Primark was honoured with the Diversity and Inclusion Award for its initiative in making adaptive fashion more accessible. George at Asda garnered commendation for its collaborative campaign with Barbie, celebrating International Women’s Day, while promoting adaptive fashion.
The evening also celebrated brands and individuals making waves in international excellence and disruptive innovation. Secret Sales was noted for its international excellence, while Positive Retail took home the Disruptor Award. The emphasis on tech-driven change was palpable, with Vaayu being recognised as the Tech Innovator of the Year for its AI solutions aimed at reducing fashion’s environmental impact.
Marks & Spencer emerged as a significant winner, being awarded Retailer of the Year for enterprises with a turnover exceeding £100 million. Their choice was also echoed by the general public, awarding them the Consumer Choice for Retailer of the Year. Nobody’s Child, a notable name in the industry, was acclaimed as Retailer of the Year within the £10m-£100m turnover bracket and additionally for their Ecommerce and Customer Care Team.
Individual accolades were bestowed upon Wendy Duggan and Liz Evans. Duggan, the director of marketing at Primark, was celebrated as Retail Star of the Year, exemplifying outstanding marketing leadership. Liz Evans, holding a key role at George at Asda, secured the Leader of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement Award rightly recognised Touker Suleyman for his extensive contributions to the fashion world.
The Drapers Awards 2024 once again highlighted excellence and innovation across the fashion retail sector.
