London Fashion Week: Queen Elizabeth makes surprise appearance

Richard Quinn wins first Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design


Queen Elizabeth joined style royalty on the front row of London Fashion Week, sitting next to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The queen (91) announced the winner of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design today, taking to the catwalk to address the audience.

She said: “From the tweed of the Hebrides to Nottingham lace, and of course Carnaby Street, our fashion industry has been renowned for outstanding craftsmanship for many years, and continues to produce world-class textiles and cutting edge, practical designs.

“As a tribute to the industry, and as my legacy to all those who have contributed to British fashion, I would like to present this award for new, young talent.

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“I would like to thank the British Fashion Council for selecting the first winner – Richard Quinn.”

The Award was created and designed by Angela Kelly, personal adviser to the queen, to recognise the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy. It aims to provide recognition of the role the British design and fashion industry has played throughout the queen’s reign.

Inspired by the Queen Elizabeth rose, the award was hand-produced by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham.

The queen is pictured wearing an Angela Kelly duck egg blue tweed dress and jacket embellished with tiny aquamarine Swarovski crystals. It is her first time at London Fashion Week. – PA