British fashion industry mogul Annette Worsley-Taylor MBE has this week died at the age of 71. An advocate of British fashion, Annette founded the London Designer Collections in 1975, and subsequently teamed up with PR icon Lynne Franks to put the capital and its British designers on the map, creating the first London designer exhibitions and catwalk schedules. In 1992, Annette presented a paper on the designer fashion industry at the request of the DTI, which included proposals for export promotion, business development, and technical and manufacturing support. In 1993, Annette established the Natural History Museum as the new site for London Fashion Week (LFW) and became Creative and Brand Director and consultant on London Fashion Week for the British Fashion Council until 2006. She set up the first LFW website, arranged receptions, gala dinners and hospitality for London Fashion Weeks and the British Fashion Awards as well as promoting LFW to retailers. In 2002 she was made an MBE for services to British fashion.

Lynne Franks, comments to DIARY directory today: "Very sad news about the incredible Annette Worsley-Taylor who was a friend and a colleague for so many years, when we worked together to make British fashion taken seriously all over the world. She has left a huge legacy and a lot of love."