Pop the champagne, Doodie Stark just won big at the Drapers Independent Awards 2024. We are absolutely buzzing to announce that we’ve taken home not one, but two prestigious titles at this year’s awards, held at The Grosvenor, Park Lane. We are unbelievably proud to have been awarded the Womenswear Independent of the Year and Best Store Design! This is a huge achievement for us, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate with the best of the Independent fashion community and share it with our amazing customers and dedicated team.
The Womenswear Independent award recognises retailers who offer a carefully curated selection of women’s fashion, a unique approach to the market and an innovative dedication to the independent fashion scene. We were thrilled when The Drapers Independents Awards Judging Panel described Doodie Stark as…
“Ambitious and innovative with Incredible shops, a new e-commerce platform, and impressive figures - all achieved in the last 12 months.”
Receiving this title means the world to us. As Liz, our founder said:
“Being in this industry for 35 years has been such a rewarding journey, but winning tonight’s ultimate award is truly an incredible honour. To be recognised for doing what I love and for having my dedication to independent retail acknowledged means everything to both me and my team.”
Our second award of the night? Best Store Design! We’re still pinching ourselves after hearing the announcer say..
“The judges loved the light and courtyard in this beautiful store and called it a hands down winner”
What made this win even more special was that designing the store from the ground up was a personal dream for Liz. She shares:
”For years, I dreamt of creating the ultimate destination store that truly reflected the vision of Doodie Stark. Being able to design every inch of the space from the layout to the decor, was a life’s time dream come true. Rupert and I wanted to create a space that feels warm, inspiring, and completely unique - a place where our customers would love to shop. And now, to be recognised with the Best Store Design award is something we will be forever proud of”
The whole night was buzzing with excitement, filled with some of the biggest names in independent fashion. Tv presenter and entrepreneur Tess Daley and longtime friend and business partner Gayle Lawton, scooped up the Best New Brand award for their beautiful swimwear brand Naia Beach. Seizing the opportunity, Liz cleverly orchestrated her spot in the group photo, making the most of the moment to chat with Tess about her award winning brand. Liz and Tess shared a laugh, hinting at some exciting possibilities, saying, “Who knows, you may see Naia Beach in Doodie Stark next spring!”
These awards belong to all of us at Doodie Stark - our dedicated team, our talented architect and builders, and especially our customers. Without your continued support, none of this would be possible. You inspire us to keep pushing boundaries, delivering collections that feel both fresh and timeless, and creating a show stopping space, that is officially, award winning.
To our wonderful team, whose hard work and passion make every day at Doodie Stark special, thank you for going above and beyond. And of course, a huge thank you to Drapers and the judges for this incredible recognition. We couldn’t be prouder.
