Van Mildert was
established in 1996 as a men's and women's fashion boutique in
picturesque Durham City. Retailing from an old 17th century Gaol, the
Grade 1 listed building on Elvet Bridge leads to the cathedral in the
heart of the city. The store certainly has character and 'Bob' the 'tour
guide' even used to bring the city's many daily visitors to marvel at
the store, shocked by the retail space we had created. Van Mildert was
certainly new and exciting, retailing in a space with so much character
and history.
This lifestyle store was one of the first really
directional independents. Back then Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Comme
Des Garçon, Helmut Lang and Costume National were only available inside
of London, but now the North East had its own fashion lifestyle store - a
haven for the fashionista. Books from Atlas littered the old shelves,
home accessories from Atomic brightened up the display cases, and
furniture from SCP was used daily by customers shopping to the latest
sounds on Rough Trade. Local artists exhibited their work in store and
sculpture installations from art students and the regions designers all
had a price tag, adding to the lifestyle concept. Customers from as far
as London would spend an afternoon in the store with some of the most
experienced and passionate staff who still feature in the industry
today.
Van Mildert Wins Three Drapers Awards in 2009
The best of the UK's fashion retailers and fashion brands were
recognised with a coveted Drapers Awards at this year's gala dinner at
the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, on November 18 2009. The Drapers
Awards are recognised as a huge accolade by the fashion business with
more than 100 retailers and brands vying for the winning laces. Now in
its 19th year, The Drapers Awards, organised by leading fashion business
weekly magazine Drapers, is a glittering event that recognises and
celebrates the best in the industry. Awards categories champion the best
of the high street and the leading independent fashion retailers across
the country. The Drapers editorial team visited over 50 shortlisted
entrants, to create a prestigious list of finalists judged by industry
experts.
Van Mildert swept the board with 3 awards including
'menswear retailer of the year' for our MetroCentre branch and 'Young
fashion retailer of the year' for our branch in Darlington. The third
and final award of the evening was also presented to Van Mildert, the
'Independent retailer of the year'. This award is the highest accolade
celebrating us as the best of the best in the UK. We are all fiercely
proud of winning these awards, to be amongst finalist such as
Selfridges, Harvey Nicols, Brown Thomas, Browns, ASOS and Top Shop is an
acheivement in itself but to take home 3 awards including the ultimate
recognition, show what we are doing is leading fashion retail in the UK.
The Drapers Awards are like the Oscars for fashion. These awards are
the most prestigious awards for the fashion industry, and bring together
more than 1,000 industry leaders to celebrate and recognise the
achievements of 20 of the most innovative and passionate fashion
retailers and brands in the UK and Republic of Ireland.