LONDON — Stuart Vevers of Coach returned home to England this week to collect his Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, otherwise known as an OBE, for his services to fashion.

A moment like this calls for a celebration.

The British designer invited around 300 people to Two Temple Place by the River Thames on Thursday night in London with Coach chief executive officer Todd Kahn by his side as cohost.

Guests on the night included his family, friends, Coach crew and stars such as Florence Pugh, Will Poulter, Yasmin Finney and Mimi Webb.

Two Temple Place is known for its neo-gothic architecture and contains artwork by William Silver Frith, Sir George Frampton, Nathaniel Hitch and Thomas Nicholls.

“It’s a beautiful historic space and we really leaned into that. We dressed up the place by bringing in historical furniture and it’s very classical in its approach. If the weather’s good, we’re going to start with drinks outside,” said Vevers in an interview on Wednesday.

The designer got heavily involved in the planning of the party – he curated the food menu, floral arrangements and some of the music before a DJ got there in the evening.

Vevers is the first creative director of an American fashion brand to receive full honors. He was included in the Birthday 2024 Honours List, approved by King Charles III.

“I was excited and surprised – so many things started to run through my mind. I feel really proud, but it’s so much for the people in my life and my parents, for whom so much of what we do in fashion goes over their heads. They  might not know what a CFDA award is, but this is something really tangible to them,” he said.

“Sometimes the perception is that our industry is frivolous. This award is an acknowledgement, in a way, that reinforces the work that we all do in fashion and it can be really meaningful. Our business is about people’s lifelong commitments to skills,” he added.

Vevers received the call about the award from the British Consulate when he was driving. 

The first person he called was his husband, Benjamin Seidler, and then his parents in the U.K.

Vevers collected his award from Princess Anne in a classic black suit with his husband and two children by his side, which he said made the Investiture ceremony more special.

“My kids turned five on Sunday and the age in which someone is allowed to attend the ceremony is five, it feels timely and like a sign,” he said, adding that he’s been playing tourist with his family and rediscovering London through a pair of fresh eyes.

Vevers wanted to stay at the Savoy Hotel to follow through with the “classic London” theme.

“My son River was so excited when he saw a black cab and this trip has encouraged me not to take things for granted that you’re just used to seeing,” he said.

From 2015 to 2017, Coach was a regular name on the runways of London, staging shows during London Collections: Men.

Maybe Vevers, now with his OBE, will consider coming back to the city more regularly and bringing his menswear shows with him.