Marion Foster MBE was one of 400 women nominated and invited to the Women of the Year Lunch and Awards 2026 on Monday, 12th October at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel.
The first Women of the Year Lunch in 1955 – at which 500 exceptional women were honoured – was the brainchild of Tony (Antonella) Lothian, a 33-year-old mother of six. It took place at a time when Britain was radically changing as a result of the war and the Labour government that followed, which she voted for, and was the first of its kind. Since then, Women of the Year has proudly recognised and celebrated the achievements of some of the world’s most incredible and bravest women, and this year was no exception.
The 72nd Women of the Year Lunch and Awards brought together remarkable women from all walks of life to celebrate extraordinary achievements, leadership, and purpose-driven impact across society. Every woman selected to attend the annual lunch is honoured as a Woman of the Year, and at the event, eight special awards were presented to exceptional individuals and collectives whose resilience, innovation, and courage continue to make a lasting difference.
This year has been such a landmark year for Marion and everyone involved with The College of Master Kilt Tailors as her vision for keeping the heritage craft of kilt tailoring alive for future generations comes alive and gathers pace.
The dedication and hard work has been recognised by @WOY2026 and it was a privilege to be nominated and invited to attend the lunch with such an inspiring constellation of women from across the country and beyond.
She celebrated the event in the most fitting way, by making her own dress to attend the function, created using the 3oz 2x2 twill weave 100% silk in Muted Strathearn with a 120 year old Victorian hand made lace collar from Little Viking Vintage, a fabulous Etsy shop that specialises in antique accessories.
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