TOP British fashion designer Amanda Wakeley has been confirmed as guest speaker for the fifth annual Women in Business Awards at the Culloden next month.
Since the launch of her signature label in 1990, Amanda has developed an international reputation for designing stylish, luxury womenswear and accessories, winning awards for her creations in the process and gaining an army of A-list clientele.
Having won the Glamour British Fashion Award three times, she regularly dresses some of the world’s most glamorous, stylish and famous women in the world including Amber Heard, Zoe Saldana, Katherine Heigl, Scarlett Johansson and the eternally chic Angelina Jolie.
She has also had the privilege of dressing royalty, including the Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Rania of Jordan and the late Diana Princess of Wales.
Amanda's iconic London-based luxury fashion label is now positioned as a luxury lifestyle brand, anchored by a flagship store on Albemarle Street.
The Wakeley collection comprises a strong and rapidly growing presence in daywear, spanning flawless tailoring, luxury sportswear, sumptuous cashmeres and an expanding line of statement accessories and fine jewellery. Best known for her glamorous evening, cocktail and striking bridal dresses, these styles underpin every seasonal collection.
Since 1996, Amanda has co-chaired the committee for ‘Fashion Targets Breast Cancer’ raising substantial sums which fund vital breast cancer research, and in 2010 she was awarded an OBE for her services to the fashion industry.
Amanda said: “I'm thrilled to be speaking at this year’s Women in Business Awards, addressing a truly diverse audience from start-ups and sole traders to established multi-disciplinary businesses.
“I hope to share with guests the benefit of my experiences - the highs and the lows – and reflect in a constructive manner on all the challenges I faced, and continue to face, both building and running a business.”
Roseann Kelly, chief executive of Women in Business said: “Securing Amanda Wakelely as keynote speaker is a real coup for our organisation.
“Not only is she first and foremost a globally recognised fashion designer, but she is also an extremely shrewd businesswoman who has experienced first-hand the harsh realities but also tremendous rewards of running a hugely successful business.
"I’m sure she will be a great inspiration to all those attending the awards in the Culloden on November 19, compered by Pamela Ballantine, when guests will enjoy a sparkling reception, a magnificent four-course meal, prestigious awards ceremony and after-dinner entertainment.”
Tickets for the Women in Business Awards ceremony are available to buy online at womeninbusinessni.com.
Sponsors and partners of the Women in Business Awards 2015 include the Irish News, Ulster Bank, Q Radio, Department for Employment and Learning, Equality Commission, JC Decaux, Deloitte, Belfast City Council, John McKee Solicitors and Vistage.
