New categories and launch date announced for Boutique Star Awards 2023

Entries will open on Monday 20 March for the Boutique Star Awards 2023. Following on from the success of last year’s competition, three more categories have been added to the awards line-up with an even bigger winners’ party set to take place in Central London this November.

The Boutique Star Awards are open to all UK-based fashion and lifestyle independents operating bricks-and-mortar businesses as well as brands and industry insiders. Retailers will be invited to enter seven different categories including new awards Sustainable Advocate of the Year and Community Hero of the Year . These are joined by Fashion Independent of the Year, Independent Group of the Year, New Independent of the Year, Creative Visual Merchandising Independent of the Year and Social Media Strategy of the Year.

A further seven categories are open to suppliers including new award Female-Founded Brand of the Year. This joins Sustainable Brand of the Year, Accessories/ Footwear Brand of the Year, Fashion Agency of the Year, British Brand of the Year, International Brand of the Year and Fashion Distributor of the Year. Meanwhile, three nomination-only categories –Lifetime Achievement, Newcomer and Outstanding Business – will be awarded to exceptional individuals.

“Last year’s competition was fantastic, and we were absolutely blown away by the standard of entries we received,” says Boutique magazine MD Julie Neill. “We believe these awards are so important for our industry as they recognise and celebrate the dedication and hard work of fashion indies and suppliers. Building on the success of last year, we’ve expanded the category list so we can acknowledge even more retailers and brands.”

Entries will open online on Monday 20 March via boutiquemagazine.co.uk.

Indie retailers and brands will be asked to write a synopsis of their business and provide supporting evidence. The first round of entries will close at the end of June with a shortlist announced by the end of August. The ultimate winners will be announced at the Boutique Star Awards winners’ party in Central London this November. For a full list of judging criteria and competition rules please visit our website.

Last year’s winners’ party took place at The May Fair Hotel in Central London and was attended by leading indies including Sassy and Boo, Iris and Violet, Velvet Ladieswear, DJV Boutique and Stick and Ribbon. Winners included Biscuit Clothing and Living for Womenswear Independent of the Year , The Pantry Underwear for Independent Group of the Year and Chloe James Lifestyle for Social Media Strategy of the Year.

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