A royal warrant was once synonymous with a certain, classic kind of fashion brand. But a new round of warrants released this week, selected by the Queen, revealed something of a departure from tradition.
There on the list, among the Savile Row tailors, tweed mercers and milliners were additions that feel exciting, refreshing and somewhat surprising. Among them, playful handbag designer Anya Hindmarch, colourful jeweller Kiki McDonough and contemporary womenswear brand Me+Em.
“It is humbling to be a part of a new generation of grantees under Queen Camilla,” says Hindmarch, who has brought signature wit and sustainable practices to the leather goods market. “It will continue to inspire us to uphold the tradition of excellence it represents on a global stage.”
In many ways, a royal warrant is the most exclusive badge of honour a brand could hope for. An official mark of recognition awarded to companies that have supplied goods or services to the royal household for at least five years, it signifies quality, excellence and consistency.
It is no surprise, then, that the clothing, jewellery and accessories companies that have received this auspicious honour have remained at the traditional end of the spectrum. Trusted names like Johnstons of Elgin, Turnbull & Asser and Lock & Co. represent the core demographic; bastions of British craftsmanship, each, but hardly modern trendsetters. Until now, Burberry has been the most fashion-forward name on the list, alongside Barbour and Hunter, which have achieved renewed relevance thanks to savvy collaborations and celebrity fans.
Queen Camilla’s recent additions include her go-to designers – milliner Philip Treacy and couturier Anna Valentine (the pair responsible for her 2005 wedding look), as well as Fiona Clare, who made the striking pink gown for this week’s US State Banquet.
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