By Katrina Doran.

The Ulster Tatler People of the Year awards were held at the Waterfront Hall last week. The Sugahfix gals are delighted that our sugah pals Grainne Maher and Lizzie Agnew were honoured on the night and well deserved too!

Northern Ireland Fashion Designer of the Year title went to Grainne Maher Millinery and Entrepreneur of the Year went to Lizzie Agnew.

Grainne, has made a name for herself as a creative force in millinery and works from her studio on the Ravenhill Road. "I am absolutely thrilled to have won! I was so shocked when they called out my name, as I really did consider myself to be the wild card!! Being shortlisted alongside couture womenswear designer Una Rodden, and Zoe Boomer was a special feeling in itself but to win overall has just given me such a confidence boost!! I hope winning this award will inject fresh interest in millinery in all it's guises... Long live the hat!!!"

Lizzie Agnew, who is proprietor of the award-winning Atelier boutique in Queen's Arcade has recently opened a design studio for her couture bridal and occassionwear in the Fountain Centre along with a wholesale element to her business.

"As owner of a tiny little shop and running it in difficult trading conditions but seeing the potential in different areas of my business and taking the steps to open a separate design studio and workshop for my own designs - it's really lovely to be recognised for what I've achieved. It's been a lot of hard work with lots more to come but things like this really help spur me on - I'm delighted!"

The judges described Lizzie as "an entrepreneur who identified a niche market and applied her unique brand of entrepreneurial zeal, drive and enthusiasm to propel the business to dizzy new heights".

Well done gals and congratulations to all the winners and finalists.