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Jersey is readying itself to welcome the great and the good of the fashion world to a glitzy new red carpet ceremony, aiming to firmly pin the Island on the global style map.
Brainchild of Dr Tessa Hartmann CBE, the inaugural Jersey Style Awards will see international tastemakers hit Jersey on 24 June to find out who will be crowned ‘Designer of the Year’, ‘Jersey Philanthropist of the Year’, and gain the prestigious title of ‘International Style Icon’.
Winners will be hand-selected by a host of high-profile judges, including former Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander OBE, London Evening Standard and ES Magazine Fashion and Luxury Head, Maurice Mullen, and Amanda Statham, Travel Editor for Cosmopolitan.
Pictured: Judges of the inaugural Jersey Style Awards (right to left) - Hilary Alexander OBE, Maurice Mullen, Nicky Johnston, Gary Maclean and Peter Ruis.
Jigsaw CEO Peter Ruis, Celebrity Photographer Nicky Johnston and previous MasterChef winner Gary Maclean will also lend their expertise to the panel, helping to preside over 11 other categories, including restaurant, retail, tourism and hotel awards.
According to the Scottish entrepreneur and brand expert Ms Hartmann, the event will provide a way to “celebrate” Jersey and place a spotlight on the local tourist economy, lifestyle, arts and culture scene:
“From the Island’s link to the elegant and artistic beauty that was Joan Crawford, a true style icon and dictator of trends, whose father hailed from St Helier, to Coco Chanel’s revolutionary use of the traditional sailors fabric that was ‘jersey’. Introducing the fabric as part of her womenswear collection around WWI changed the landscape for the ‘jersey’ fabric for all international designers. The House of Chanel even created a fragrance called ‘Jersey’, named as a reference to the designers love of the jersey fabric.
“As a small island, Jersey punches above its weight in curating its impressive cultural heritage. I’m sure that these awards will showcase just how rich, inspiring, and innovative the contemporary tastemakers on the islands are today.”
Pictured: Dr Tessa Hartmann CBE, who also set up the Scottish Fashion Awards, is the architect of the Jersey Style Awards.
VIPs and trendsetters will be transported from London to the Royal Jersey Showground ceremony courtesy of Gama Aviation’s Falcon 2000 and a fleet of Porsche Centre Jersey cars.
Headline partner Chopard will be working alongside Jersey’s oldest family-run jewellers Hettich to bring sparkle to the red carpet via “magnificent and unique” jewellery pieces.
Jean-Baptiste Maillard, Managing Director of the renowned Swiss watchmaker, commented: “By showcasing excellence, innovation and artistic endeavours from an island that is steeped in heritage and tradition like Jersey, represents a great synergy for Chopard.”
Video: A teaser for the Jersey Style Awards, a celebration of the Island's luxury, artistic and cultural scenes.
Murray Norton, Deputy and Assistant Minister for the Government of Jersey, commented on the significance of the Style Awards for the Island: “This event is a wonderful platform to showcase the best of what Jersey has to offer on a cultural, artistic and stylish level. These awards aren't just about a congratulatory nod; a nomination will provide many local businesses, large and small, brands, innovators, artists and cultural attractions a wonderful opportunity to showcase their worth on an unrivalled national and international platform.
"It’s time to give Jersey the international platform it really deserves, from the people who shape its character, personality and individuality as one of the best kept secrets in the British Isles.”
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