IT'S A WRAP: JAGUAR TAKES BRITWEEK BY STORM

BritWeek, the celebration of all things British in California, has just wrapped‑up its star‑studded two‑week run, with Jaguar enjoying its biggest presence ever.

The long list of Jaguar‑supported events kicked off with a showcase of the all‑new 2014 Jaguar F‑TYPE at the star‑studded Red Carpet Launch Party on April 23 and ended with a major display of Jaguar’s latest high‑performance line‑up on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade last weekend.

Founded in 2007, BritWeek is a non‑profit organization that promotes British creativity, innovation and excellence in California. It covers a multitude of categories, including film and television, art and design, philanthropy and business. The events, which run over a two‑week period, take place throughout Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco.

One of Jaguar’s highlights from this year’s BritWeek was the honoring of Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, with the coveted BritWeek Design Icon Award at the annual Christopher Guy Design event. This highly prestigious accolade recognizes an individual for their significant contribution to British design. Ian received the unique trophy, designed by Lord Wedgewood, at a glittering event held at the West Hollywood showroom of world‑renowned British luxury furnishings designer Christopher Guy.

“I’m thrilled to receive the 2013 BritWeek Design Icon Award as it not only recognizes design in the automotive industry, but really looks at British design across every area, including fashion, architecture and interiors,” said Callum. “To be recognized in the vast industry of design and specifically British design is truly an honor.”

One of Callum’s latest creations, the all‑new Jaguar F‑TYPE, was a star attraction at the BritWeek Red Carpet Launch Party, held at the Residence of the British Consul‑General in Hancock Park, Calif. on April 23.

“California, and especially Los Angeles, is a massively important market for Jaguar, and this year’s BritWeek allowed us to show‑off our all new Jaguar F‑TYPE to a hugely‑influential audience before it goes on sale this summer,” added Callum.

Jaguar also had a presence at the BritWeek Celebrates Downton Abbey event at the Fairmont Hotel Miramar in Santa Monica last Friday. Hundreds of VIPs and celebrities, wearing their finest vintage attire, posed for photographs alongside a classic bright red 1930s Jaguar SS100 and a stunning Lunar Grey 2014 Jaguar F‑TYPE. The sold‑out event, with proceeds benefitting Big Brother, Big Sister, was in honor of the hit TV series. At the event was executive producer Gareth Neame along with a number of cast members, including Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith on the show.

To conclude the brand’s involvement with this year’s BritWeek festivities, Jaguar’s high‑performance newcomers ‑ the 2014 XKR‑S GT, XFR‑S, XJR and F‑TYPE vehicles ‑ took star billing in a display on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade during the annual Santa Monica Spring Jubilee this past weekend.

Click here to see a video of Jaguar at this year’s BritWeek.