Renowned hairstylist Sam McKnight is set to be honored with an MBE for his contributions to fashion and British culture. The news, reported by WWD, highlights McKnight’s long association with the royal household and his influential role in shaping modern hairdressing on a global stage.
This year, McKnight earned sponsorship for the royal honors list, part of a broader recognition program overseen by Buckingham Palace. The list celebrates a diverse group of about 1,000 British fashion and beauty figures who have helped define the nation’s style landscape. The individuals on the list, including Princess Anne and Prince William, are acknowledged for their service to the United Kingdom through fashion, design, and related industries.
McKnight is widely remembered for creating the iconic backwards combed short haircut worn by Princess Diana following her split from Prince Charles in 1992. The hairstyle became a defining element of Diana’s image in the years leading up to her passing in 1997, underscoring McKnight’s lasting influence on royal fashion and public perception of style.
In addition to McKnight, the list features fashion designer Mary Quant, famed as a pioneer of the miniskirt and a foundational figure in British fashion. At the age of 92, Quant is also recognized with honors for her exceptional contributions to the industry and her enduring legacy in design and culture.
The honours are expected to be formally conferred in ceremonies during the first half of the year. The events will bring together recipients who have helped shape British fashion and beauty on an international stage, reinforcing the country’s role as a center of stylistic innovation and cultural influence.
Earlier reporting noted that the Mugler brand is poised to make a Paris Fashion Week return, indicating a broader revival in fashion houses and designer labels on the calendar for the year ahead. This context underscores the dynamic relationship between fashion talent, royal recognition, and media attention within the global industry.
Overall, the forthcoming honours underscore a tradition of acknowledging individuals who have made lasting contributions to Britain’s fashion, beauty, and culture. The recognition signals the ongoing importance of design leadership and the enduring impact of stylists and designers in shaping public imagination and industry standards.