AYM Studio, a women’s fashion brand based in Crowborough, has received one of the UK’s highest business honors—The King’s Award for Enterprise—recognizing its excellence and innovation in the fashion industry.
The announcement, made on May 6, confirms AYM Studio as one of only 197 organisations nationwide to receive the prestigious award this year. In total, 199 Awards were presented, with two companies earning double honors.
Founded in 2012, AYM Studio is a small but influential brand with a team of just eight employees. The company has earned acclaim for its commitment to producing ethical, high-quality fashion that empowers both the wearer and the maker. Every item is carefully handmade in the UK by skilled artisans who are paid above the living wage, reflecting AYM’s strong values around ethical labor and craftsmanship.
AYM’s collections are designed by women, for women, with an emphasis on how fashion can make people feel. Their approach celebrates clothing’s ability to offer comfort, boost confidence, and evoke meaningful memories. Rather than chase fleeting trends, AYM champions a slower, more mindful style of fashion—encouraging consumers to “buy well and wear often.”
The brand’s garments feature thoughtful, solution-focused design details such as built-in bras, smoothing double-layered fabrics, adjustable waistlines, and generous pockets—features that add functionality and longevity to their appeal. These features contribute to AYM’s mission of designing pieces that are as practical as they are stylish, with timeless silhouettes meant to outlast seasonal fads.
Founder Alie Mackintosh expressed her pride in the achievement:
“It is an immense honour to have built a business in the UK that has been recognised by His Majesty The King for a King’s Award. I am proud to have built a business that celebrates what Made in the UK stands for; a dedication to quality, a celebration of skill and a passion for thoughtful design that makes a positive difference.”
She added that the recognition is a tribute to the company’s skilled makers and the international demand for their UK-made garments:
“It is a huge testament to the quality of our skilled makers in creating clothing here in the UK that is sought after internationally, leading to our international growth and subsequent recognition for a King’s Award.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect King Charles III’s commitment to continuing the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II in acknowledging exceptional UK businesses. Now in its 59th year, the awards remain the UK’s most prestigious business accolade. Recipients are granted the right to display the official King’s Awards Emblem for five years—a symbol of excellence that enhances credibility and market appeal.
Applications for the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise will open on May 6, 2025.
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