Matchesfashion.com co-founders Tom and Ruth Chapman have been awarded
OBEs in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for their services to the
international fashion retail industry.
Commenting on the honour, Tom and Ruth Chapman said: “We are delighted
to accept these awards on behalf of the many extraordinary individuals we
were lucky enough to work with while founding and leading
Matchesfashion.
“It brings immense pride to have been at the forefront of the changing
face of retail, from the humble beginnings of one brick-and-mortar store to
one of the foremost global luxury e-commerce businesses, flying the flag
for Great Britain in more than 170 countries.”
The Chapmans, who founded their MatchesFashion business with a single
brick-and-mortar store in Wimbledon in 1987, has grown into one of the most
respected global luxury retailers, offering more than 450 established and
emerging luxury designers and selling to over 176 countries worldwide.
“Throughout the growth of Matchesfashion, we have had the privilege of
working with many of Britain’s most talented emerging fashion designers,”
added Tom and Ruth Chapman. “The success of the business wouldn’t have been
possible without them and it’s wonderful to be acknowledged for the work
Matches Fashion continues to do in championing new and emerging fashion
talent around the world.”
Fashion names recognised in the Queen’s 2020 New Year’s Honours
list
There was also an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for Camilla
Lowther, founder of management agency CLM, who was recognised for her
services to British fashion and to photography, and managing director of
David Nieper Limited, David Christopher Nieper, who will receive for
services to UK manufacturing and to apprenticeship development.
Fashion designer and television presenter Gok Wan, who has designed
collections for Sainsbury’s and Simply Yours, was named an MBE for his
services to fashion and to social awareness, and said on his social media
that he was “overjoyed” to receive the honour.
Graphic designer, Peter Saville, who has worked with brands including
Burberry and Lacoste was named an CBE, or Commander of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire for his services to design.
Meanwhile, John Hannett, lately low pay commissioner and general
Secretary of Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers received an OBE
for his services to the economy.
Other notable names on the annual honour’s list which featured more than
1,000 British people includes Sir Elton John, who received the highest
honour of all, Companion of Honour for his services to music and charity,
while actress Olivia Newton-John was given a damehood, film directors Steve
McQueen and Sam Mendes were awarded knighthoods, and broadcaster June
Sarpong was named an OBE.
The awards will be handed out during the year by Queen Elizabeth II and
members of the royal family.
Image: Tom and Ruth Chapman winning at the Walpole British Luxury Awards
2017, courtesy of Walpole
