Somewhat of a rabbit in headlights, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a ticket to the UK Lingerie Awards hosted by Lingerie Insight. An awards show like no other; applauding the achievements of brands and retailers within the intimate apparel industry; dubbed ‘The Oscars of the British lingerie industry’, I was honoured and excited to attend Upon arrival I was greeted by sales manager for the publication the very charming Andrew Martyniuk, with camera flashes and rather glamorous porters and complimentary champagne flutes in their hundreds. The awards show did not disappoint on the glamour front the Grade 1 listed converted church venue was simply stunning, it was spacious without destroying the intimate feel of the event. Following a quick spot of networking heaven we were escorted to a slap-up three course meal think pretty teeny salads and fillet steak.
Tension was high after the meal and the thought on everybody’s mind was the results. Becky and I were seated on the same table as Agent Provocateur and Royce Lingerie, both nominated for awards and you could feel the anticipation! Agent Provocateur were awarded the ‘Multiple Retailer of the Year’ so it was great to cheer along with them – congratulations!Curvy Kate took home the much-coveted ‘Full Bust Brand of the Year’ award last night at Lingerie Insight’s UK Lingerie Awards 2011. Nominated in an impressive three categories, the brand proudly accepted the award which celebrates exactly what the brand does – lingerie for the fuller bust. A lively table of ten, the Curvy Kate team were out in full force at the awards show, with Managing Director Steve Hudson, Distribution Manager Seema Patel and Marketing Manager Hannah Houston amongst the group. As such a new brand – only created a few short years ago – to win an award hosted by a national publication with competition from so many lingerie giants, we can expect to see great things from Curvy Kate in the future.
Atsuko Kudo, the brand behind Lady Gaga’s infamous red latex gown which she wore to meet the Queen last year were declared the ‘Most Innovative Brand of the Year’. As a brand which specialises in ‘Couture Latex Design’, it was great to see a cult brand represented at the awards show, as well as an advocate for the underground fetish scene. won the ‘Online Retailer of the Year’ award, an accolade which reflects their great range of sizes, products,brands and brilliant customer service.June Kenton from Rigby and Peller was a member of the judging panel and was also awarded the honour of a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award for her dedicated and influential contribution to the intimate apparel industry for the past 50 years. The British institution Rigby and Peller also achieved the ‘Independent Retailer of the Year’ award pipping Bravissimo and high street giants La Senza to the post.
The award winners are as follows:
Independent Directional Brand of the Year
Winners: Lascivious
Independent Retailer of the Year
