Heritage Crafts – Fashion Textile Maker of the Year Award 2026

11 March 2026

This award celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to fashion textile crafts within the previous 12 months (since 2 March 2025). It recognises a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular fashion textile skill. We expect this to be someone who demonstrates the highest level of craft skill and is held in high regard amongst their peers.

The award is open to practitioners of any fashion textile craft. Examples include (but are not limited to) costume making, dressmaking, tailoring, pattern cutting, hat making, millinery, glovemaking, fabric pleating, corsetry, weaving of fabrics specifically for fashion garments etc. Nominations that demonstrate practical hand skills will be favoured over those that are predominantly design-oriented.

Anyone, including the maker themselves, can nominate for this award. Finalists will be expected to attend the high-profile Winners’ Reception in November 2026.

More information on how to apply can be found here.