Alighieri's Rosh Mahtani wins 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Award

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 12, 2020

The British Fashion Council has announced the third recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, Rosh Mahtani of jewellery brand Alighieri.

Born in London and raised in Zambia, the designer will be presented the award by Princess Anne on behalf of the Queen on Tuesday 18 February at London Fashion Week.

She is being recognised for the craftsmanship of her jewellery, which is produced in Hatton Garden, as well as for using responsibly sourced materials and promoting local manufacturing.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council said: “Mahtani has managed to translate her passion for jewellery and storytelling into a highly successful business while using responsibly sourced materials. Her ethical approach and commitment to local manufacturing, combined with her ability to make beautiful, timeless, made by hand jewellery, makes her an inspiration for many young British designers.”

With no formal training in jewellery making, Mahtani founded Alighieri in 2014 to channel her obsession with ‘imperfect sculptures’ after creating a jewellery collection inspired by Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy'.

The brand has become known for its hand-made gold-plated antique-style designs. Each piece is unique, handcrafted in Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery quarter.

Rosh Mahtani is the first jewellery designer to win the Queen Elizabeth II Award, which in its first season in 2018, recognised fashion and print designer Richard Quinn. Menswear designer Bethany Williams was the second recipient of the honour in 2019. 

The award winner is selected by the BFC in collaboration with the Royal Household, in recognition of the role that fashion plays in society and diplomacy.