The shortlist for Drapers Independents Awards, the highest accolades for retailers, brands and professionals in the independent fashion retail sector, has been announced...AND WE ARE FINALISTS! 

The finalists represent one of the strongest line-ups in the awards' 31-year history, reflecting the resilience of a sector that is often at the heart of local communities as it emerges from the disruption of the pandemic.

The Drapers team now looks forward to welcoming the finalists to the gala lunch ceremony at the Grosvenor House London on 22 September, and to toasting the winners.

Drapers editor Jill Geoghegan said: "The independent sector is the lifeblood of the fashion industry in the UK and Ireland. We received an overwhelming number of entries for the Drapers Independents Awards 2022, showing the innovation and resilience of the businesses involved.

"A huge congratulations to all those companies who made the shortlist. In its 135th year Drapers is proud to continue supporting and championing this inspiring and thriving part of the industry."

Drapers' headline partner for this prestigious awards programme is online wholesale clothing and lifestyle marketplace Faire, which connects brands with independent retailers across the globe.

Lauren Cooks Levitan, chief financial officer, said: “The fashion category on Faire represents our fastest-growing sector over the past two years, demonstrating the adaptive and innovative nature of this resilient industry.

"Faire is proud to partner with Drapers, the resounding authority on fashion retail news in the UK, to sponsor the Drapers Independents Awards."

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA WARRINGTON5 AUGUST 2022