Drapers Independent Awards 2023

This year we were lucky enough to be nominated as a finalist for the category of Community Champion Award in the Drapers Independent Awards 2023 that was held at The Grosvenor House, London on the 21st September. This was the third time that we had been a finalist within that category and the 4th time we had been nominated overall, the last time was 2019 so pre covid and pre lockdowns so we were thrilled to have been nominated again.

The Drapers Independents Awards is a highly distinguished event in the fashion show that celebrates independent retailers within a range of categories. The Community Champion award is to recognise independent businesses that are central to their local high street, a champion for their community and go the extra mile for their customers. Cocaranti has been proud to be part of the local Knutsford town community for 11 years and over time has consistently championed the market town, community and promoted local businesses.

Over the last year Cocaranti has been proud to be significantly involved in the SS23 Flash Fashion Knutsford event in May 2023 and then again in November for the AW23 Flash Fashion Knutsford, which was the first Flash Flash event to be held in the Autumn/Winter season and Cocaranti’s 4th one overall. Alongside this, we have participated in PTA events for the local primary schools, the bunny hop, and on the 10th December 2023 we will be involved in a town Christmas shopping day.

Despite not discussing our outfits prior to the event, Jane and I somehow managed to be very well coordinated which I suppose comes with working closely with someone for 5 years! Jane wore a black skirt, waistcoat and jacket, and I wore a black slip dress with a diamante oversized blazer, stylish yet classic.

I was really nervous when our category came up as secretly I really wanted us to win but it wasn’t meant to be. That being said, the day was absolutely amazing, we had a group of wonderful people on our table that we enjoyed talking and drinking with throughout the event. It was great to see so many amazing businesses being celebrated and hopefully we will be more successful in the future. Before getting the train home we managed to enjoy a cocktail at Mr Foggs amazing bar before popping into Alaia and Celine, I mean it would be rude not to.

Hopefully we will be lucky enough to be nominated as a finalist again next year but until then we will just have to reminisce about this years event.