A jewellery designer based in Kilburn who counts the Duchess of Cambridge amongst her legions of celebrity customers has been made an MBE for her outstanding services to fashion.

Nicola Gerwitz launched Lola Rose 14 years ago from her bedroom after she was gifted a bracelet by a friend and thought she could do better herself.

Her office is based in Iverson Road.She said: “I am absolutely delighted and humbled - the fashion industry has been incredibly supportive and to be joining the ranks of such eminent talent is such an honour.”

Threading semi-precious beads on intricately woven silk cord, her ‘Tumble Bracelets’ were snapped up by big name stores Harvey Nichols and Fenwick of Bond Street and Brent Cross with stars including Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker starting a queue amongst the fashion elite.

Her signature open heart necklace, owned by the Duchess of Cambridge, sold out within days and is still popular.

“I wanted to create jewellery that made women smile and feel happy when they wore it - a Lola Rose design is an affordable treat that will lift your spirits and make you feel very glamorous.’ she added.

With the meteoric rise of her business Ms Gerwitz has remained close to her early philosophy of creating affordable and luxurious pieces for all women.

Lola Rose now launches two full collections a year creating contemporary designs mixing metals alongside the semi-precious stones for which she is famed.

Her award places her amongst other highly successful British designers who have been honoured in recent years including Betty Jackson, Alice Temperley, Anya Hindmarch and Vivienne Westwood.

“I believe that we must celebrate British Designers - we have some of the finest in the world,” she said. “It is the ability to think outside the box and break rules that results in the extraordinary and original and as a nation we shine at turning things on their head and coming up with a unique perspective.”