The royal family has often hosted Fashion Week receptions for top designers and journalists, but the new award - and the queen's personal visit - have added a new dimension to its support for the industry.

The lucky recipient was Richard Quinn, a recent fashion graduate of Central Saint Martins who started his own label in 2016 and has quickly earned recognition as part of the next wave of talented young British designers.

The queen, who has maintained an active schedule even as her 96-year-old husband Prince Philip has stepped back from public life, took to the catwalk to address the crowd and praise Britain's fashion heritage.

The queen's visit followed a Buckingham Palace fashion reception hosted on Monday night by Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge - who is expecting her third child in April - and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

The gala was attended by Wintour, model Naomi Campbell, designer Stella McCartney and other luminaries of the fashion scene.

Associated Press