The vibrant atmosphere of London Fashion Week recently culminated in a significant moment that underscored the evolving priorities within the global fashion industry. On February 18, the prestigious event concluded with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne presenting the esteemed Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. This high-profile accolade was bestowed upon Rosh Mahtani, the visionary founder behind Alighieri, a distinguished jewellery brand nestled in the historic Hatton Garden district. This recognition marked a pivotal moment, as Mahtani became the first jewellery designer to receive this honour, signaling a broader acknowledgment of craftsmanship, sustainability, and community values within the high-fashion landscape.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design stands as a testament to exceptional talent, originality, and a profound commitment to strong community values and sustainable practices. Rosh Mahtani’s win is a powerful reflection of the fashion industry’s accelerating shift towards more conscientious and ethical production methods, moving beyond mere aesthetics to embrace social and environmental responsibility. Her dedication to responsible sourcing and ethical manufacturing processes, coupled with her unique attention to detail and unwavering focus on exquisite craftsmanship, were key factors in securing this revered award. The presentation by Princess Anne, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, further solidified the award’s royal patronage and its national importance.
Initiated in 2018, the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was established to acknowledge and celebrate the profound role the fashion industry plays not only in commerce and culture but also in society and diplomacy. It champions a new generation of talented British designers who are actively making a difference through either their pioneering sustainable practices or their impactful community engagement initiatives. The inaugural award in February 2018 was famously presented to Richard Quinn, marking Her Majesty The Queen’s first-ever visit to London Fashion Week – an event that instantly elevated the award’s profile. In 2019, the honour was fittingly presented to Bethany Williams by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, celebrating her profound commitment to social responsibility and sustainable design. Rosh Mahtani now joins this illustrious lineage of designers, bringing the world of fine jewellery into the spotlight of British design excellence and innovation, particularly within the realm of ethical fashion.
Rosh Mahtani’s journey to becoming a celebrated British designer is as unique and compelling as the jewellery pieces she creates. Born in London and spending her formative years in Zambia, her diverse background instilled in her a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Her academic pursuits led her to Oxford University, where she immersed herself in the study of French and Italian literature. It was upon graduating in 2012 that Mahtani found the profound inspiration that would lay the groundwork for Alighieri. Drawing heavily from the epic narrative and rich symbolism of Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy,” she envisioned creating modern heirlooms – pieces that would tell stories and evoke emotion, much like the timeless literary works that moved her. With no formal training in jewellery design, but possessed by a fervent obsession with the concept of “imperfect sculptures” – celebrating the beauty in natural imperfections and the passage of time – Alighieri was officially launched in 2014.
The philosophy behind Alighieri centres on creating tangible, wearable narratives. Each piece is designed to be a contemporary relic, a fragment of an imagined world, intended to be cherished and passed down through generations. This storytelling approach, deeply rooted in classical literature and mythology, imbues the jewellery with a soul and depth that resonates strongly with a discerning clientele. This unique fusion of literary inspiration and sculptural design has allowed Alighieri to carve out a distinctive niche in the competitive jewellery market, establishing itself as a purveyor of meaningful, artisanal creations. The brand’s rapid ascent and critical acclaim are direct consequences of Mahtani’s singular vision and her ability to translate complex narratives into wearable art.
Alighieri has become renowned for its signature hand-made, gold-plated, antique-style designs. These distinctive pieces are not merely accessories but are often referred to as “modern talismans” or “contemporary heirlooms,” each bearing a unique, organic texture and form. The brand’s commitment to meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every creation, with each piece of jewellery painstakingly handcrafted in the heart of London’s historic Hatton Garden. This area, synonymous with jewellery manufacturing for centuries, provides an authentic backdrop for Alighieri’s operations, connecting the brand to a rich heritage of British artistry and skill. The unique pieces are brought to life through the time-honoured process of lost-wax casting, a technique that has been employed for millennia and allows for intricate details and fluid, organic shapes to be captured. Alighieri proudly collaborates with some of the oldest and most revered local suppliers in Hatton Garden, ensuring that traditional methods are preserved and that the brand contributes positively to the local economy and craft community.
Caroline Rush, the chief executive officer of the British Fashion Council, eloquently captured the essence of Rosh Mahtani’s achievement: “We are delighted to announce Rosh Mahtani from Alighieri as the third recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.” Rush’s comments highlighted Mahtani’s remarkable ability to seamlessly translate her profound passion for jewellery and the art of storytelling into a highly successful and critically acclaimed business. Crucially, this success has been built upon a foundation of using responsibly sourced materials, an aspect that aligns perfectly with the award’s core values. Rush further elaborated on Mahtani’s ethical approach and unwavering commitment to local manufacturing, underscoring how these practices, combined with her innate talent for crafting beautiful, timeless, and meticulously hand-made jewellery, position her as a profound inspiration for many burgeoning young British designers. The British Fashion Council expressed immense pride in recognizing Mahtani’s contributions and eagerly anticipates witnessing the continued growth and influence of her remarkable business.
The recognition of Alighieri with the Queen Elizabeth II Award is particularly significant for the jewellery sector, historically often viewed separately from mainstream fashion design awards. This award elevates ethical jewellery design to the forefront of the industry’s consciousness, demonstrating that sustainable practices and community engagement are not just confined to apparel but are integral across all facets of design. It encourages other jewellery brands to adopt similar responsible sourcing and manufacturing methods, fostering a ripple effect of positive change. Alighieri’s success story, from literary inspiration to a global brand committed to ethical excellence, serves as a powerful blueprint for future designers who aspire to create with purpose and integrity. The brand’s presence in Hatton Garden also ensures the continuity and evolution of traditional British jewellery-making skills, reinforcing the area’s status as a hub of artisanal expertise.
Rosh Mahtani’s receipt of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design is more than just an individual triumph; it is a landmark moment for the entire industry. It solidifies the importance of thoughtful, sustainable design in a world increasingly conscious of its environmental and social footprint. Alighieri, with its roots in literature, its heart in Hatton Garden, and its vision set firmly on an ethical future, exemplifies the best of British design – innovative, responsible, and beautifully crafted. This prestigious award will undoubtedly propel Alighani to even greater international prominence, inspiring a new generation of designers and consumers alike to embrace beauty with a conscience. The future of British design, as championed by this award, clearly lies in the hands of creators who blend artistic vision with unwavering ethical principles, creating legacies that are as enduring as the stories they tell.