6 must-haves from the Walpole luxury award winners

Best Luxury Craftsmanship: Roger W Smith

Last night saw the annual Walpole Awards ceremony at the Dorchester hotel in London. Founded in 1990 by Britain’s largest association of luxury brands, Walpole Awards are given only to those offering the best of the best in their field and represent the benchmark to which other brands should aspire. Click through to see our pick of the must-have pieces from this year’s winners…

Best Luxury Craftsmanship: Roger W Smith

Based in the Isle of Man this tiny watchmaker makes each of its exquisite timepieces entirely in the UK and, while it missed out at this year's Grand Prix d’Horlogerie, it is seen as one of the key brands showing what Britain has to offer against its more famous Swiss counterparts. You could opt for on of the classic Series 2 watches, which are undeniably beautiful in their own right, but if you’re looking for true luxury bespoke is the only way to go.

Bespoke timepiece, POA, Roger W Smith

Luxury Brand of the Year: Victoria Beckham

Despite only opening her first London flagship in Dover Street last year, Victoria Beckham has defied expectations by becoming a big name in the high-fashion business. With two seasonal collections per year, a Victoria Victoria Beckham diffusion line, accessories and eyewear on offer there’s plenty to choose from but, coming from a woman well-versed in red carpets, it will always be her sleek gowns which are the stars.

Asymmetric cut out floorlength gown, £2,850, Victoria Beckham

Best New Luxury Brand: Emilia Wickstead

After graduating from the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s fashion school in 2007, Emilia Wickstead cut her teeth as a bespoke and made-to-measure atelier before turning her talents to ready-to-wear collections. Her elegant, ladylike pieces still bear the hallmarks of custom design and are known for their impeccable fit, flattering shape and outstanding fabrics. This season’s top pick? The wool Joni jumpsuit comes in three colours and is ideal for post-work cocktail parties.

Joni jumpsuit, £1,600, Emilia Wickstead

Most Socially Responsible Luxury Brand: Pippa Small

With more than two decades experience in the jewellery business, Pippa Small has made her name with an earthy, clean aesthetic which works around the natural contours of a stone rather than cutting them to fit her designs. Small’s ethical credentials come from her work with indigenous tribes in Africa and South America where she works with local craftspeople to develop new lines of jewellery that, with her help, can reach an expanding global market.

Turquoise Mountain lapis reeba necklace, £495, Pippa Small

Best International Luxury Brand: Valentino

Since eponymous designer Valentino Garavani, who famously owns the Benetti superyacht T.M. Blue, handed over the reins to design duo Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli in 2008 this Italian design house has gone form strength-to-strength. Famous for its fantasy designs and fairytale aesthetic, its men’s collections are every bit as covetable as their female counterparts. Just take this leather backpack inspired by the work of Esther Stewart as evidence.

Calfskin colour patchwork backpack, £2,150, Valentino

British Brand Ambassador: Charlotte Olympia Dellal

Even those with only the most fleeting interest in fashion would be hard pressed not to recognise Charlotte Olympia’s signature ‘Charlotte’s Web’ heels or iconic Kitty slippers. Only seven years old, the Charlotte Olympia brand quickly became a fashion favourite the world over, with its designs spotted on a roster of stylish celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, Eva Longoria and Blake Lively. Show your allegiance with the original black Kitty flat.

Kitty flats, £365, Charlotte Olympia

Read more

Sponsored listings