Walpole announces Brands of Tomorrow 2020
Shackleton, Simpson's Wine Estate and Hēdoïne are among the brands selected for this year’s programme
Walpole, the industry body for the UK luxury sector, has announced its Brands of Tomorrow for 2020. Founded in 2007 as a means to champion and provide support for aspiring luxury businesses in Britain, the 12-month programme provides workshops and mentoring to next-generation brands, as well as access to Walpole’s group of more than 270 industry leaders.
Participating brands must have a turnover of less than £5m, and clear goals to pioneer growth, export goods and services, create employment and drive innovation in the luxury field.
Since its inception, the programme has helped develop more than 100 emerging luxury brands, with success stories including the likes of Orlebar Brown, Bremont, Nyetimer, Emilia Wickstead, Miller Harris and Astley Clarke. Read on to discover Walpole’s class of 2020.
Anabela Chan
This London-based fine jewellery brand has found fans in Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Anne Hathaway and Taylor Swift thanks to its ethical and sustainable ethos. One of the first to team laboratory-grown gemstones with high-jewellery design, artisanal craftsmanship and ecological practises, Anabela Chan has scooped awards from Vogue Talents, The British Goldsmiths’ Craft and the Design Council for its designs.
Anatomē
Founded by Brendan Murdock, who believes nutritional and emotional balance is the key to a healthy lifestyle, London apothecary Anatomē boasts a unique collection of organic skincare, essential oils and dietary supplements. Created in partnership with aromacologists and nutritionists using natural supplements, vitamins and botanical therapeutic oils, Anatomē’s products are designed to support sleep, recovery and health.
Araminta Campbell
Taking inspiration from the landscape of her native Scotland, Araminta Campbell creates exceptional textiles that perfectly encapsulate her home nation’s natural beauty and weaving heritage. Each shawl, scarf, wrap or throw is unique and handwoven from undyed British alpaca wool by weavers in the brand’s Edinburgh studio.
www.aramintacampbell.co.uk
Country of Origin
Country of Origin manufactures all of its premium knitwear in-house in its factory in Wigston, Leicestershire. Founded by Ben Taylor and Alice Liptrot in 2014, the label combines high-quality yarns with bold colour palettes to create its collection of beautiful knits designed for the modern man. Think traditional crew jumpers, lambswool jackets and cableknit cardigans.
Dai
Pitched as “performance wear for the powerful woman”, sustainable brand Dai combines form and function with its stylish workwear. Elegant tailoring, innovative fabrics and minimalist design are at the core of the collection, which was envisioned as a timeless capsule wardrobe.
Hēdoïne
Best known for creating the world’s first ladder-resistant tights that are seamless, shaping and don’t sag or pinch, Hēdoïne was founded by Alex Tymann and Anna Rauch with a vision to transform everyday wardrobe staples into luxurious items. Inspired by bold women (the brand’s name is a combination of ‘hedonistic heroines’), the label is endorsed by Jimmy Choo CEO Pierre Denis and former Wolford CEO Ashish Sensarma.
Matthew Cox
A background in antiques has instilled an understanding of timeless design in Matthew Cox, a concept he emulates in his eponymous brand of contemporary furniture. A considered creation process, minimalist style and natural materials are at the core of his designs, which are all handmade in England.
Pepa & Company
Inspired by her Spanish roots and British family-in-law, Pepa Gonzalez creates traditional childrenswear for her London-based brand Pepa & Company. Her Belgravia boutique has proved a hit with some particularly high profile locals – Prince George and Princess Charlotte have both been dressed in her designs.
Ruuby
The Deliveroo of the beauty world, online beauty booking platform Ruuby was founded in 2015 by Venetia Archer and enables users to experience a variety of treatments in the comfort of their own home. Today, the company has more than 800 expert beauty professionals on its books, including Nature Bissé and Aromatherapy Associates.
Shackleton
Inspired by and named after the British polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, Shakleton provides expedition-grade apparel designed to weather the most extreme of climates. The brand’s range of outerwear, knitwear and accessories is created using innovative materials and production techniques, and is completely fur-free.
Simpson’s Wine Estate
Having produced award-winning wine in France for 18 years, Ruth and Charles Simpson established the Simpson’s Wine Estate in Kent in 2014, with the aim to create their own brand of English sparkling wine. Their 30 hectares of vineyards, which are established on the North Downs’ chalk terroir, proved up to the task, and the couple saw their first harvest in 2016. Today they offer a range of exclusive still and sparkling vino, including a gold medal-winning Chalklands Classic Cuvée 2016.
Suitcase Group & Magazine
Through its quarterly print magazine, website and studio, Suitcase Group provides a platform for experiential travellers. Using a global network of writers and creatives, the group offers informative city guides, original photography and long-form articles on destinations across the globe.
