Drapers Independents Awards 2021 shortlist revealed

Drapers has been recognising excellence in independent retailing for 30 years, but in 2021, highlighting the achievements of this sector has never been more important.

Indie retailers and the brands they stock have had a very difficult 12 months and there are more challenges ahead. However, indies are resilient and innovative, and we want to shine a spotlight on what has been achieved during this time of adversity.

As the sector builds a new future, the Drapers Independents Awards 2021 will celebrate the fashion retailers and brands that have innovated to survive, supported their local communities, and built stronger businesses under the toughest of circumstances.

There are 18 awards, including new categories Best Use of Social Media, the Innovator Award and the Covid Community Champion Award.

The Drapers Independents Awards 2021 winners will be announced on the afternoon of 23 September 2021 at the London Hilton Bankside.

The shortlist is as follows. The 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award will also be announced on the day.

Best Customer Experience

• Bernard Boutique
• Bumble Bee
• DAY
• Galvin Tullamore
• Gissings Boutique
• Jane Davidson
• Mish
• Restoration Yard
• Rewritten
• Suave Owl
• The Pantry Underwear
• Woven

Best New Retailer

• Aura
• Crofton & Hall
• DAY
• Rosie Cheeks
• Tabernam
• Very Stylish Girl
• Will & Ward

Best Store Design

• A Hume
• Galvin Tullamore
• Jump
• Restoration Yard
• Suave Owl

Best Use of Social Media

• Domino Style
• Henmores
• Jane Davidson
• Restoration Yard at Dalkeith Country Park
• Sass & Edge
• Suzanne Neville
• Warrior Addict

Kidswear Brand of the Year

• Mori
• Picture Book Fashion
• The Middle Daughter
• Töastie Kids

Kidswear Independent of the Year

• Jump
• Rosie Cheeks
• Trendy Tots Baby Boutique

Lifestyle Independent of the Year

• Abrahams Store
• Sandersons Department Store
• That Thing
• Willow & Wolf

Lingerie brand of the year

• Elomi
• Fantasie
• Freya
• Pure Chemistry Lingerie
• Wacoal

Lingerie Independent of the Year

• Beija London
• Mish
• Raine & Bea
• The Pantry Underwear

Menswear Independent of the Year

• Alexandra Wood
• Brian James
• Galvin Tullamore
• Suave Owl
• Westdaw Menswear
• Woven

Menswear Brand of the Year

• Barbour
• Marc Darcy
• Zanouchi

Multichannel Independent of the Year

• A·hume
• Henmores
• Iris & Violet
• Mish
• Moo Boutique
• Real Clothing
• Sandersons Department Store
• Suave Owl

Rising Star

• David Conaghan, Nikki Intimates
• Hannah Fuller, Lorna Jane
• Bethany Scott-Morris, Iris & Violet
• Rachel Thomson, A Hume
• Kate Parsons, Jump

The Covid Community Champion Award

• Lisa Aynsley, Hotspur 1364
• Lauren James, Ruby Lou’s Boutique
• Shirley Leader, Velvet & Rose
• Michèle Poynter, Mish
• Amanda Slattery, Maya Maya

The Innovator Award 

• Dea Baker, Aqua & Rock
• David Conaghan, Nikki Intimates
• Hanna Felizitas Fiedler, Leap of Faith Creatives
• Jen McKenna, Moo Boutique
• Julia Munder and William Forshaw, Maxwell Scott Bags
• Rachel Thomson, A Hume
• Anne Wright, Young Ideas

Womenswear Brand of the Year

• Aqua & Rock
• Barbour
• Bezo London
• Cara and the Sky
• Frank Lyman Design
• Luella Fashion
• Nanushka
• Primrose Park London
• TLC Sport

Womenswear Independent of the Year

• ALC
• Anna
• Birdsong London
• Courtyard
• Kiticymru
• Lulu & M
• Renes Fashion
• The Fold London
• The Gate
• Rocca
• Young Ideas

Lifetime Achievement Award

• To be announced on the night