Fashion label Nadine Merabi has been named Womenswear Brand of the Year at the Drapers Awards 2026.
The company was founded in 2015 by former professional hockey player Nadine Merabi with the help of a £250 sewing machine from Argos.
Earlier this year, she was included in BusinessCloud’s Founder 250 list, which celebrates 250 of the UK’s leading founder-led and founder-influenced businesses.
The award comes hot on the heels of Briony Garbett’s appointment as chief executive as the fashion brand continues its expansion plans.
Hosted in London by Drapers, one of fashion retail’s leading publications, the awards celebrate the brands shaping the future of the fashion industry.
Winners at the Drapers Awards 2026
A spokesperson for the company said: “For us, this award feels especially meaningful. Following a decade of Merabi and our first-ever runway debut this year, it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come.
“What started with a vision to create pieces for life’s biggest moments has grown into a global brand celebrating women around the world.
“The award is a reflection of the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team, as well as our incredible Merabi community who have supported us throughout the last decade.”
Another member of BusinessCloud’s Founder 250 celebrating success at the Drapers Awards 2026 was serial entrepreneur Andrew Xeni.
Andrew Xeni, founder and CEO of Fabacus, with the Tech Innovation of the Year Award
Xeni is the founder and CEO of data technology business Fabacus, which won the Tech Innovation of the Year Award.
He described himself as ‘beaming with pride’ after Fabacus emerged victorious from a 20-strong shortlist.
Another of his businesses, womenswear brand Nobody’s Child, was a finalist in the Best Marketing Campaign category.
Passenger, the outdoor clothing brand founded by Richard and Alexa Sutcliffe in 2012, was runner-up in the International Excellence category.