The fashion industry in the United Kingdom is grieving the loss of Hilary Alexander, a prominent fashion editor and the honorary president of the Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF). Alexander passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, coinciding with her 77th birthday.
Over the course of her almost four-decade-long career, Alexander established herself as a prominent figure in the fashion sector and made significant contributions to the industry. In recognition of her services to fashion, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013.
Born in 1946, Alexander began her journalistic career in her home countries of New Zealand and Australia. She later became the fashion editor of The China Mail, a Hong Kong-based publication. Her appointment as the Fashion Editor of the Daily Telegraph in the 1980s surprised many, as she was not initially considered a top contender for the role. However, she quickly proved her capabilities and held the position for an impressive 26 years, eventually becoming the fashion director.
Throughout her career, Alexander’s talent and personality made her one of the most recognizable fashion editors worldwide. Her influence extended beyond the pages of fashion magazines and into television, where she became a well-known personality in the UK and internationally. She made numerous appearances on popular television channels such as BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 4, CNN, and GMTV, and also appeared as a guest on shows like The Weakest Link and Britain’s Next Top Model, establishing herself as a household name.
Apart from her contributions to the fashion industry, Hilary Alexander was a strong advocate for fashion education. In 2001, she was appointed as a visiting professor by the University of the Arts London, and six years later, she received an honorary Doctor of Design degree from Nottingham Trent University.
Her involvement with the Graduate Fashion Foundation was particularly meaningful to her. The GFF, which organizes Graduate Fashion Week, acknowledged Alexander as the driving force behind the event’s growth and success. What began as a modest showcase of BA fashion in 1991 has now become the largest event of its kind globally. Alexander played a vital role in securing support for the charity, with esteemed figures like Dame Zandra Rhodes and Diane Von Furstenberg becoming GFF Lifetime Patrons.
Even until her passing, Alexander remained dedicated to supporting emerging talent in the fashion industry. She frequently visited universities to review portfolios and provide valuable advice. As Honorary President, she traveled extensively to support young international designers, visiting cities like New York, Dubai, Venice, and Sweden. Alexander also held guest speaker roles at global fashion weeks and visited various international educational institutes.
In recognition of her visionary approach and passion for sustainable fashion, the GFF established the “Hilary Alexander OBE Sustainability Trailblazer Award” in 2017. Alexander’s impact on the fashion and journalism industries cannot be overstated. She was known for her unwavering support, exceptional writing skills, sharp sense of humor, and advocacy for the future of the industry.
The fashion world has lost a remarkable figure in Hilary Alexander. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of fashion professionals, ensuring that her impact is felt for years to come.
Useful links:
– Graduate Fashion Week
– University of the Arts London
