Hilary Alexander, former fashion director of The Daily Telegraph and the honorary president of the Graduate Fashion Foundation, is no more. She died at the age of 77.

One of the most high profile end prolific fashion writers in recent memory, Hilary received an OBE for her services to the industry. Born in New Zealand, she moved to the UK in 1982 and took up a position at The Daily Telegraph going on to become its fashion director. She stayed with the newspaper for 26 years and became one of the most respected and best-known newspaper fashion editors in the world.

She had a passion for fashion in all its forms and was particularly committed to showcasing new talent. She was twice named Journalist of the Year and in 2007 was honoured with the title Doctor of Design by Nottingham Trent University. Her OBE was awarded by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2013.She had held the position of honorary president at the Graduate Fashion Foundation, which runs Graduate Fashion Week, since 2019. The event has grown from humble beginnings in 1991.

Hilary, described as the life-force behind the event, was instrumental in bringing high profile names to the event, such as British fashion legend Zandra Rhodes, American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, as well as pop star turned fashion star Victoria Beckham.