Hilary Alexander OBE (1946–2023)
What an absolute legend……. Hilary Alexander OBE is a highly respected New Zealand-born British fashion journalist who is celebrated mainly for her extensive contributions to the fashion industry. Hilary was known for her vibrant personality, zest for life, and extensive knowledge of fashion; she left an indelible mark on the world of fashion journalism and industry.
Hilary served as the Fashion Director at The Daily Telegraph for over 26 years. She became a trusted voice in the industry, covering major fashion shows and trends with wit and authority. She was named British Fashion Journalist of the Year twice (1997 and 2003) by the British Fashion Council and received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 for her services to fashion journalism.
Champion of Emerging Designers
Hilary was a fervent supporter of emerging designers, known for spotting and supporting fresh talent early in their careers. As the Honorary President of the Graduate Fashion Foundation since 2019, she played a significant role in elevating the event to its status as the world’s largest showcase of BA Fashion in the world from its humble beginnings in 1991.
“Be accurate, be truthful, be passionate and enthusiastic. And always be curious.”
Hilary Alexander, 2019.
A Life Spent Inspiring Others
She frequented TV fashion programs and documentaries, including her work on Britain’s Next Top Model and fashion commentary for various networks.
Hilary authored books such as Leopard: Fashion’s Most Powerful Print.
Personal Style and Legacy
Hilary was known for her larger-than-life character and bold, eclectic personal style, often adorned with statement necklaces, leopard print and vibrant outfits. Her energy and passion for fashion were infectious, which inspired many in the industry. Despite her accolades, she always remained approachable and down to earth and was deeply respected by peers, designers, and readers alike – she was a dear friend to many!
A Friend to Many
“Hilary was just my friend and neighbour for many years. I didn’t even know what she did for a living for years. She was kind, funny, generous, and left the world of glitz and glitter behind her to come home to Southeast London SE15, the bandit country. She was the most down-to-earth and accessible, unpretentious woman I have ever known, and I loved her. She had a nicely naughty sense of humour with her roots as a Peckham girl to the bone. Hilary is a one-off unique; the fashion world will never have another Hilary Alexander!
Oh, and fabulous wardrobe clear-outs – I would be summoned over to her house and given bin bags of wonderful clothes with no clue what the labels where and meant.
I am doing the Hilary Alexander pop-up shop as the final thank you to commemorate a woman who showed me nothing but love and kindness for so many, many years.
I will miss her forever.”
Amanda Mopps November 2024 – Neighbour and friend
Hilary Alexander OBE Pop-up shop Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December 2024 – The Columbia Hotel, 95-99 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3NS
Written by Sarah Brennand