Walpole names its Brands of Tomorrow

Luxury organisation Walpole has named its Brands of Tomorrow, including a number of emerging fashion brands, who will now enter a year-long programme of workshops and mentoring to help them develop their businesses.

The winners, which were announced at a reception at iconic department store Fortnum & Mason last night, include premium men's sportswear brand Castore, men's underwear and loungewear brand Hamilton & Hare, and bespoke tailor Kathryn Sargent.

A number of accessories brands also made the final list of 12 businesses including Love or Nothing Baby, which makes travel-inspired luxury leather goods, Malle London, which makes motorcycle accessories, and Rae Feather which is famed for is woven bags and clutches. Others to make the list include: Acsceno, Chapel Gate, FlowerBx, Method Studio, The Jackal and Votary.

Participants in Walpole's flagship development programme, which is sponsored by Mischon de Reya, will now be paired with some of the UK’s most experienced luxury executives who provide 12 months of personal mentoring and one-to-one coaching.

“It’s excellent to see a diverse range of British luxury entrepreneurs entering the market from luxe sportswear to tailoring, skincare to whisky. With many success stories from the programme over the past decade, Walpole’s mentorship programmes ensure we are secure the future growth of the luxury industry in the UK. The sector as a whole is committed to creating a pipeline of luxury brands and to developing jobs and skills. It feels more important than ever that these new businesses are given the support they need," said Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank.

Past graduates of the scheme include Orlebar Brown, Charlotte Olympia and Emilia Wickstead.