Dame Margaret Barbour Honoured with Special Recognition Award at The Fashion Awards 2024

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that Dame Margaret Barbour will be the recipient of a Special Recognition Award for her extraordinary contributions to the fashion industry at The Fashion Awards 2024, presented by Pandora. This prestigious event, set to take place on Monday, 2nd December, at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, celebrates the intersection of fashion, culture, and entertainment, while raising funds for the BFC Foundation. The awards spotlight creativity, purpose, and excellence, honouring individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts on the industry.

Dame Margaret Barbour: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Dame Margaret Barbour’s journey in the fashion world began in 1968, when she was appointed to the board of J. Barbour & Sons after the untimely death of her husband, John Barbour. In 1973, she assumed the role of Chairman and has since led the company through over 50 years of innovation and global growth, ensuring the brand stayed true to its roots while expanding into new markets. Barbour’s iconic waxed jackets—the Bedale, Beaufort, and Border—designed under her leadership in the 1980s, remain among the brand's bestsellers today, epitomising the company's commitment to quality, durability, and craftsmanship.

In addition to her business acumen, Dame Margaret has long used her platform to give back to society. In 1988, she established The Barbour Foundation, which has since donated over £29 million to charitable causes, primarily in the North East of England. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she further demonstrated her philanthropic spirit by converting Barbour’s South Shields factory to produce PPE for local NHS Trusts, aiding in the fight against the virus.

Under her leadership, Barbour has also embraced sustainability. The *Wax for Life* initiative promotes circular fashion practices by offering re-waxing and repairs, while *Barbour Re-Loved* extends the life of wax jackets through recycling efforts. Most recently, Dame Margaret has overseen the launch of *Quilt for Life*, a service aimed at repairing quilted jackets to further reduce waste. Her dedication to both the brand’s heritage and its future sustainability has positioned Barbour as a leader in the evolving landscape of fashion.

Dame Margaret Barbour has been widely recognised for her contributions to the fashion industry and her charitable efforts. Her work exemplifies a commitment to British excellence and innovation, qualities that are celebrated with the Special Recognition Award.

The British Fashion Council and The Fashion Awards

The British Fashion Council, established in 1983, plays a crucial role in promoting British fashion globally. Its mission is to nurture creative talent and ensure the continued success of the British fashion industry, both domestically and internationally. The organisation’s key initiatives include The Fashion Awards, London Fashion Week, and mentoring programmes designed to support emerging designers. Through the BFC Foundation, it also provides financial support to emerging talent, focusing on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring to shape the future of British fashion.

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, expressed her admiration for Dame Margaret, stating, "We are delighted to honour Dame Margaret Barbour with a Special Recognition Award for her remarkable contributions to the fashion industry and continued commitment to British excellence and innovation in the brand’s 130th year. Her dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and giving back to the community sets an example for the entire industry."

The Fashion Awards, organised by the BFC, are the organisation’s primary fundraiser. The event brings together a global community of fashion leaders to celebrate creative excellence and highlight change-makers within the industry. The funds raised directly support the BFC Foundation, which helps shape the future of British fashion by focusing on key pillars such as education, grants, and business mentoring.

With partnerships from esteemed brands such as Pandora and The Peninsula London, the 2024 Fashion Awards promises to be a night of celebration and recognition, honouring individuals like Dame Margaret Barbour, who have shaped the industry through innovation, leadership, and purpose.

Photo credit: S. Gon Kim, Magazine B