Fashion queen Heidi Middleton gets honour

Heidi Middleton is a queen of fashion and now she’s been honoured by the Queen in the 2019 Birthday Honours.

Fashion designer Heidi Middleton at home in Palm Beach. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

One of the co-founders of the multimillion-dollar global fashion empire Sass & Bide has been recognised by the Queen.

Heidi Middleton, 47, who splits her time between her two homes in Palm Beach and Mosman, has been appointed a Member for significant service to the fashion industry and to charitable donations.

The mother-of-two said she was surprised and humbled with the honour.

“The calibre of people on the list is very high and some of the things that have achieved are very significant,” she said.

“I am very humbled and grateful to be included.”

Fashion designer Heidi Middleton at home in Palm Beach. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Ms Middleton and her former business partner Sarah-Jane Clarke, sold a controlling share of their brand Sass & Bide to Myer for $42 million in 2011, before stepping down in 2014 when the department store acquired the rest.

Since then she has championed ‘slow fashion’ through her new label ARTCLUB which is about creating clothes that are kinder to the planet, that last longer and can be passed down to future generations.

Throughout her career she has supported children and women through various charities including Barnados and Bravehearts, financially and as an ambassador and mentor.

She said had been influenced by her parents who fostered children when she was growing up in Queensland.

She has six foster siblings.

“My parents have been amazing,” she said. “They showed me how important it was for children to feel loved.

“I think that’s why I have always felt strongly about supporting children.”