Judges
Brigitte Stepputtis
Global Head, Couture at Vivienne Westwood
Brigitte Stepputtis is the Global Head of Couture at Vivienne Westwood with over twenty-five years of experience in the fashion industry.
She joined the label in 1990 and has since contributed to the success and growth of the Vivienne Westwood brand, particularly the Gold Label collections. Her expertise in design, tailoring and pattern cutting in combination with economic strategy enabled her to successfully lead the production and growth of the company during the 90's. In 1996, Brigitte launched the Vivienne Westwood Couture service at the Davies Street Boutique in Mayfair where she continues to manage all Couture and Bridal Collections.
Designing for a coveted selection of the world's most recognised and diverse women, Brigitte works closely with Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler creating luxurious gowns, which are widely acclaimed. She is implementing Green Carpet projects and initiating, supporting and co-ordinating various commitments of the brand's sustainability strategy.
She is overseeing worldwide Couture presentations, exhibitions, advertising shoots and fashion shows. Most notably she was the Art and Styling Director for Vivienne Westwood’s take on Handel's opera in 2011 at the Kunstfestspiele Hannover Herrenhausen, Germany, which subsequently has continued to successfully tour at music festivals in Australia and South Korea.
Independent from the Fashion Industry, Brigitte Stepputtis is also an accomplished artist specialising in Fine Art Media and documentary film, showing in the UK and internationally for example in solo exhibitions in Sweden and at the 56th Venice Biennale in Italy.
Other interests for Brigitte include her position as a Director of the Ethical Fashion Forum. She was also director at the board of the German/British Forum from 2011-17. She is a key member of the Medinge Group, a think tank of brand experts and co-author of 'Brands with a Conscience' published by Cogan Page in 2016.