Christopher Bailey is to recieve a CBE for his services to fashion in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.
The 47-year-old has been given the elevated order of chivalry (having already received an MBE in 2009) due to his work at the helm of iconic British brand Burberry, which he stepped down from as President and Chief Creative Officer in March 2018 after 17 years.
"Burberry encapsulates so much of what is great about Britain. As an organisation, it is creative, innovative and outward looking. It celebrates diversity and challenges received wisdoms." Bailey said about the brand at the time.
After graduating with a Fashion BA (Hons) from University of Westminster in 1993 and a master's degree from the Royal College of Art in 1994, Bailey went on work as a womenswear designer at Donna Karan and senior womenswear designer at Gucci before settling as design director at Burberry in 2001. He then moved up to chief creative officer and CEO in 2014.
Over the years, the Yorkshire-born creative has taken the brand from strength to strength, managing to give its has-been signature nova check a resurgence, create a legion of celebrity fans and even put a poignant LGBTQ+ rainbow twist on the classic plaid for his final collection at London Fashion Week in February.
Bailey was succeeded by Riccardo Tisci, who has already given Burberry a new logo and put a striped twist on the signature check print. Bailey's next move is still under wraps.
He joins a list of celebrities receiving honours in 2019 including, Twiggy, Gareth Southgate, Thandi Newton and Margaret Atwood.
