Kate Middleton presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award to designer Patrick McDowell
Wearing a suit by Victoria Beckham
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design was presented in London to this year’s recipient, 29-year-old British designer Patrick McDowell. The ceremony took place at 180 Studios and was organized by the British Fashion Council (BFC).
The award was handed over by the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Each year, the prize honors young designers who make a significant contribution to the British fashion industry, particularly in the field of sustainability.
McDowell became the eighth recipient of this prestigious award. Previous winners include Richard Quinn, Bethany Williams, Rosh Mahtani, Priya Ahluwalia, Saul Nash, Foday Dumbuya, and Steven Stokey-Daley.
After receiving the award, the designer shared his impressions:
«This is an incredible honor and a huge privilege. The Princess of Wales has always supported British fashion and has become a true icon of it. She is incredibly stylish, and receiving this award from her is a truly special moment in my career,» said McDowell.
As part of the event, the Princess also visited McDowell’s mobile studio to learn firsthand how his eco-friendly designs are created.
In addition, she met with laureates and finalists of several other initiatives supported by the British Fashion Council Foundation — an organization that actively fosters the fashion industry through education programs, grants, and business mentoring.
For the occasion, the Princess of Wales chose an elegant suit by designer Victoria Beckham.
Many view this not only as a gesture of support for British fashion, but also as a sign of solidarity with Victoria, who, together with her husband David, is reportedly going through a tense period in their relationship with their son Brooklyn.
According to media reports, Brooklyn’s wife, Nicola Peltz, is allegedly turning him against his parents. The conflict has become public: he did not congratulate his father on his 50th birthday and was absent from the celebration. Against this backdrop, the choice of attire by Victoria seemed especially symbolic.
It is worth noting that designers always value Catherine’s attention highly. Her public appearances in outfits by specific brands can significantly influence their popularity and sales. This is particularly true now, as the Princess increasingly embraces «repeats» — wearing the same clothes more than once to highlight a conscious approach to fashion and consumption.
Photo: Instagram @britishfashioncouncil/shaunjamescox
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