WGSN MAPPING THE FUTURE OF FASHION

WGSN Futures Awards are staged by WGSN, the world’s leading trend authority, to recognise innovation and breakthrough talent on a global scale.

Judged by an elite panel of international experts and attracting entries from more than 50 countries, they are the only awards in fashion and the creative industries with a true global reach.

The 2016 ceremony takes place on 26 May in London and will attract 400 industry and style leaders.

Award Categories this year are Best Digital Innovation, Best Marketing Initiative, the Avery Dennison Emerging Brand, Breakthrough Fashion & Accessories Designer, Breathrough Menswear Designer, Breakthrough Womenswear Designer and Outstanding Achievement (the latter 3 are by nomination only). On the retail side,  the other awards up for grabs are Best E-Store, Best Multi-Channel Business, Best New Retail Concept, Best Start-Up, Best Store, Innovative Design and Sustainable Design (list of finalists and nominations can be found on WGSN’s site).

Underlines’ favourite, Holland Street, designed by Lauren Barfoot, is one of just four finalists for the Avery Dennison Emerging Brand Award. This luxury designer brand of printed silk kaftans, kimonos and robes burst onto the scene in 2014 targeted at the international loungewear and resortwear markets, although the designer has had much success in her home market, where all the products are made and delivered in elegant branded envelopes and silk drawstring bags.

The contemporary and colourful prints take inspiration from historical context, culture and nature, particularly florals. Lauren herself studied at the Royal College of Art and received a number of prizes during her time there (in particular for excellence in placement pattern and use of colour & material).