Ok- this was ALWAYS going to be a tough one to call and I could have had about fifty nominees in this category, but I wittled it down to the stores that I have frequented most this year and have left a real impact on me. Each of the designers behind these labels are veritable artists in their particular fields; Baiastice and Nicky Ree produce some of the most sumptuous couture that you can find on the grid. Nicky uses a palette of devastating colours and textures that just dazzle with their sheer grandiosity, whereas Sissy Pessoa (Baiastice) uses her passion for Italian fashion to produce pieces that aren’t just clothing but artwork in their own right. Truth and Canimal on the other hand are very different designers aiming towards different markets, but are no less awe-inspiring in their approach to fashionable design. Truth produces stunning separates, but I’m totally in love with the awesome coats and jackets that she produces-fit for any virtual occasion with their excellent tailoring and colouration. Canimal on the other hand is legendary for the dazzling array of dresses, skirts, hoodies and a myriad of individual pieces that can be dressed up to great effect, or grunged down.

Canimal is a cult, nay, a lifestyle choice even – make no mistake about that, and it’s for that reason that I’m awarding her the Kittywitchin Fashion Award 2008.

Every single designer I’ve mentioned here are masters of their craft, all equally deserving of praise and recognition, but I feel that 2008 was Canimal’s year..and I can’t wait to see what 2009 has in store for us!