Lucky 13... this year's future stars revealed

A new crop of talented Londoners is about to move onto our radar. Susannah Butter reveals the future stars of 2013
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2 January 2013

Lily James, 23, actress

Fresh out of drama school, James has acted opposite Dominic West and was seductress Lady Rose in Downton Abbey. Starred in Wrath of the Titans, with Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson.

Rosie Tapner, 17, model

The girl with pouty lips has bagged one of the hottest campaigns around, as the face of Balenciaga. She’s already been in Vogue UK — with her cheekbones she could be the next Kate Moss.

Keaton Henson, 24, musician

The shy, must-see folk singer’s self-released debut album Dear … sold more than 4,000 copies and had over 55,000 YouTube views. He is now signed with Radiohead’s management.

Tom Rachman, 37, author and journalist

Beautifully written debut novel The Imperfectionists was an international bestseller. The London-born author and younger brother of Financial Times journalist Gideon Rachman is now working on his second novel.

Ashley Williams, 24, designer

Pixie Geldof and Alice Dellal walked her graduate show, such is the power of Williams’s witty collections. She’s set to make her London Fashion Week debut next month as part of Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East initiative. Rita Ora is a fan.

Rohan Silva, 31, tech adviser

Recently appointed head of Tech City, this No 10 policy adviser and former protégé of Steve Hilton is overseeing a Government push to get behind coding. Also on the board of Battersea Arts Centre.

Eloise Schwerdt, 25, chef

Worked under Michelin-starred chef Skye Gyngell at Petersham Nurseries Café, then went on to run pop-up A Piece on The Side at the Cuckoo Club. She hopes to take over a kitchen in central London next summer.

Jessica Asato, 31, politician

The Islington councillor and adviser to Tessa Jowell has been selected as Labour’s candidate for Norwich North at the next election, pitted against Chloe Smith. She worked on the social media side of David Miliband’s campaign and wants to shake up the Labour Party.

Michael Kiwanuka, 25, musician

Soul singer Michael Kiwanuka topped last year’s BBC Sounds of 2012 poll as their artist to watch this year. Born to Ugandan parents, Kiwanuka, 25, grew up in London. His debut album, Home Again, was shortlisted for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2012.

Sophia Webster, 27, shoe designer

She was mentored by shoe superstar Nicholas Kirkwood, and her debut collection has gained approval from Dover Street Market, Harvey Nichols and Net-a-Porter.

Jack Stein, 32, chef

Rick Stein’s son has inherited his culinary talent. Currently head of development for his father’s company, Stein was part of Scallop Sunday at Burnt Enz in Hackney and this year is planning more London pop-ups.

Azmat Yusuf, 32, founder of City Mapper App

Based in Old Street, City Mapper is an app that is rivalling both the Google and Apple equivalents. It is in the top 10 App Store downloads and, unlike other mapping apps, tells users when the next bus, train or Tube is due. City Mapper has just secured investment from some big (but as yet secret) names.

Jack Harries, 19, YouTube sensation

With his twin brother Finn, this19-year-old gap-year student has become a YouTube sensation. He started YouTube channel JacksGap 14 months ago, planning to keep his friends and family informed of his year abroad. It has since mushroomed, with videos about his day-to-day activities proving popular across the world. His 28 home videos have been watched more than eight million times and his channel holds an impressive 190,000 subscribers.

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