Shannon Bye, Silk Weaver

Fashion Textile Maker of the Year Award 2024

Hampshire silk weaver Shannon Bye has won the inaugural Fashion Textile Maker of the Year Award, supported by the Costume Society, including a £2,000 prize and trophy awarded at a special presentation at Eltham Palace on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

The award, supported by the Costume Society, celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to fashion textiles over the past year. It recognises a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular fashion textiles skill.

Shannon Bye is Heritage Weaving Manager at Whitchurch Silk Mill. Her progression as a silk weaver at the Mill reflects her dedication and passion for her craft. During the last year, as well as making excellent progress in her own silk weaving practice, she has developed her capacity to lead a growing team of weaver tacklers.