Tracey Emin, Anya Hindmarch Named Dames in King Charles’ Birthday Honors List

LONDON — A host of British creatives, including Anya Hindmarch, Tracey Emin and Simon Le Bon, received accolades, and new titles, in King Charles’ annual birthday honors list, which is issued in mid-June during the British monarch’s official birthday celebrations.

Hindmarch and Emin both became dames, the female equivalent of a knight, and will be able to use the title ahead of their name in the U.K.

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Hindmarch was honored for services to fashion and business, while Emin, one of England’s most famous creatives and a pillar of the Young British Artists group, received her title for services to art.

“It is deeply humbling to receive this recognition, and I will strive to do it the justice it deserves,” said Hindmarch, while Emin told the British press: “Dame Tracey has a good ring to it. I’m very, very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life.”

While their professions and aesthetics may differ, both women have also contributed to their communities in past years.

A look inside Anya Hindmarch's latest pop-up shop on Pont Street, Anya Mart.
A look inside Anya Hindmarch’s recent pop-up shop on Pont Street, Anya Mart.

Hindmarch has helped to revitalize a sleepy neighborhood in Belgravia with a series of shops, retail concepts and a café, and has been a pioneer in working with sustainable materials.

Emin has transformed a series of derelict buildings in her native Margate, England into artist studios, galleries and apartments. She is subsidizing a cohort of international artists living and working there.

King Charles also recognized the choreographer Wayne McGregor, handing him a knighthood for services to dance. McGregor is artistic director of Studio Wayne McGregor, and founder of the dance company that bears his name.

Since 2006, McGregor has been resident choreographer at the Royal Ballet. In 2021 he was appointed the director of Dance for the Venice Biennale.

I am very honored to be offered a knighthood and grateful to all of the incredible people who have nurtured me for over 33 years in the art form I love — dance,” McGregor said.

Tracey Emin

“Creative thinkers make a vital and significant contribution to public life, and to the nation’s economy whilst experimenting, risk-taking and challenging convention. Recognizing that the arts matter, and this honor reminds us that every young person given access to culture and creative expression has the opportunity to fly,” he added.

Duran Duran lead singer and ‘80s heartthrob Simon Le Bon received an MBE, or Member of the Order of the British Empire, for his services to music and charity. Le Bon is an ambassador for the Tall Ships Youth Trust, which organizes sailing trips for underprivileged young people.

Wayne McGregor has become a knight in King Charles’ birthday honors list.
Wayne McGregor has become a knight in King Charles’ birthday honors list.

Lulu Lytle of the design company Soane Britain Ltd., has received an OBE, or Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for her services to British manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Lytle has a gold-plated list of clients and a robust business which is based on the Pimlico Road in London. Her name hit the headlines a few years ago after she was tapped by then first lady Carrie Johnson to redecorate the prime minister’s flat at No. 10 Downing Street.

It was widely reported that the Soane Britain “gold” wallpaper had cost a fortune — prompting a mega press scandal, and even more criticism heaped on former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife. It was later revealed that the wallpaper was yellow, and cost the a standard price of 120 pounds per roll.

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