Attire Accessories - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 73)

18 BTAA News We give you the updates from the BTAA Fashion Accessory of the Year awards The Giftware Association recently held its first BTAA Fashion Accessory of the Year awards since taking over administration of the association. The awards ceremony celebrated the best in functional fashion and design across the travel goods, handbags and fashion accessories industry. Sarah Ward, CEO of the Giftware Association, said of the awards: “It’s a heritage we are very proud to now be a part of, stretching back a whole century. Over that time, what was at first the Saddlery, Harness and General Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association has undergone many changes, all while keeping the same continuous legacy that we hope to grow with supporting manufacturers and distributors of leather goods, travel goods and fashion accessories throughout the UK.” The competition is in its eighth year and attracted a wide variety of products, encompassing categories such as Made in Britain, Fashion Jewellery, Fashion Handbags, Luggage and Travel and Small Leather Goods, and the quality of the entries keeps increasing. Judging took place online, with judges including representatives from product-testing company UL, Sue Marks from Max Publishing and Katie Taylor from Attire Accessories. Luke Palmer who took over the managing of the project stated: “We are currently facing tough trading conditions with the added uncertainty of Brexit. It is therefore vital that companies innovate each year, both in functionality and design. A number of companies have incorporated technology into their products, such as RFID protectors in wallets and purses. Others have focused on eye-catching designs, such as quirky patterns, animal prints and statement gems.” The winners in each category received a fantastic prize of £500 towards exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2018, together with the fashion accessory of the year glass engraved award. The highly commended entrants will receive £100 towards exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2019 and an engraved award. Visit www.btaa.org.uk WINNERS THIS YEAR Fashion Jewellery Category Highly Commended: The Happy News, Widdop & Co Winner: Flower Jewellery, Shrieking Violet Fashion Handbags Category Highly Commended : NEW Kyo Silver Coral Cross Body Bag, Mame Huku Winner: Tudor Back Pack, Mala Leather Luggage and Travel Category Highly Commended: Storyteller FlagMate, Storyteller Winner: Tickle Luggage Tags, Really Good Ltd & Soul UK Fashion Accessories Category Highly Commended: Tweed Wraps, Earth Squared Ltd Winner : Wool Blend Fedoras, Peace of Mind Made In Britain Category Highly Commended: London Town Neckerchew, Cheeky Chompers Ltd Winner: M02 Multi Sheepskin Mittens, Owen Barry Small Leather Goods Category Highly Commended : Storyteller FlagMate, Storyteller Winner : Kalmin Carbon Fibre, Mala Leather