December 5, 2023 |
Last night fashion’s great, good and… well, us… gathered at London’s Royal Albert Hall for a night celebrating all things fashun. Hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical, this year’s British Fashion Awards – in partnership with Pandora – had all the glitz, the glam and good lookin’ guys and girlies for us fashion folk to fawn over. Want to know the ins, outs and all the hot goss’ of the night? Keep reading; we’ve got you covered. Emily Phillips
THE LOOKS
Last night was packed with truly glorious looks, just in time for party season. Highlights of the night included actress Taylor Russell, dressed in a sparkling satin Loewe gown by Jonathan Anderson. Elsewhere, Paloma Elsesser was dressed in a sumptuous black dress by Ferragamo. Supermodel Anok Yai also wore Ferragamo, warming the chilly night with a superbly-hot, chocolate brown look. Maison Valentino similarly shone on the red carpet, dressing Anne Hathaway in an elegant, fringed number and FKA Twigs in an ethereal jewelled gown. The brilliant Pierpaolo Piccioli, last year’s Designer of the Year Award winner, donned Valentino – of course – with a tailored black suit and bow tie, finished off with a winter weather-proof big coat.
Further down the red carpet, Iris Law was decked out in Vivienne Westwood, wearing a low rise two piece that screamed ‘SEX’. The late great British designer’s widower, Andreas Kronthaler, also stepped out yesterday evening, arm and arm with Westwood’s beloved granddaughter and 10 Magazine cover star, Cora Corré – both, of course, wearing Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood.
Loewe also decked out super-stylist Law Roach in a wonderfully sleek black tux, as well as actor and brand ambassador, Kit Connor, in a satin yellow overcoat. F1 driver Lewis Hamilton swapped out his usual Mercedes jumpsuit for an immaculate white and cream tonal look by Wales Bonner. Rocking up in Prada, British multi-hyphenate Little Simz struck the perfect balance between uber-cool and chic with her fantastic satin black dress. Saltburn star Archie Madekwe oozed style in a full Prada look, featuring tailored white shirt and matching shorts and topped with a black coat that meant business.
Fashion Awards host, Maya Jama, dripped Dolce and Gabbana extravagance, with a meringue-like dress that billowed at the sleeves. Following on from Jama’s brilliant white gown, Danish model Mona Tourgaard stunned in an Alaïa dress construted from a slinky white fabric that hugged her torso before finishing with an ornate bustle at the back.
THE PERFORMERS
The awards were accompanied by a stellar performance from vocal powerhouse Sam Smith, after they accepted their award for Cultural Innovator and walked the carpet in a custom Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood look. Breakout star Mette also put on a sex-drenched performance in collaboration with Pandora, whilst donning a hot pink two-piece and thigh-high leather boots. The star-studded event was then carried into the night, with the assistance of a DJ set by grime artist-turned-Mains-designer, Skepta. Bella Koopman
THE WINNERS
You’re a winner baby! Jonathan Anderson nabbed the biggest award of the night, receiving the Designer of the Year for his glittering work at both Loewe and JW Anderson. The award was presented to him by longtime friend and Loewe brand ambassador, Josh O’Connor. Joining him on the first place podium, Maximilian Davis was awarded British Womenswear Designer of the Year for his work at Ferragamo, while Little Simz took the stage to anoint Martine Rose as British Menswear Designer of the Year for her stellar work at her eponymous brand.
Paloma Elsesser took home Model of the Year award after truly dominating the past year while Conner Ives – the upcoming creative known for his satirical interpretations of Americana – was celebrated with the BFC Foundation Designer Award. After 26 years at Alexander McQueen, industry sweetheart Sarah Burton announced her departure from the brand this September and was awarded the Special Recognition Award to pay homage to her game-changing reign.
Valentino Garavani won the Outstanding Achievement Award for his illustrious career at the helm of his Italian fashion house and the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator was taken home by photographer and filmmaker Campbell Addy, known for challenging industry beauty standards relating to race and queer identity.
The sparkling evening was presented by Pandora and actress Michaela Coel was honoured with the Pandora Leader of Change Award, presented to her by global brand ambassador and icon Pamela Anderson. OB
See the full list of winners below:
Designer of the Year: Jonathan Anderson for Loewe and JW Anderson
British Womenswear Designer of the Year: Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo
British Menswear Designer of the Year: Martine Rose for Martine Rose
BFC Foundation Awards: Conner Ives
Model of the Year: Paloma Elsesser
Cultural Innovator Award: Sam Smith
Trailblazer Award: Edward Enninful
Isabella Blow Award: Campbell Addy
Pandora Leader for Change Award: Michaela Coel
Outstanding Achievement Award: Valentino Garavani
New Establishment Womenswear Brand: Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena
New Establishment Menswear Brand: Bianca Saunders
Special Recognition Award for Contribtuion to the Fashion Industry: Charlotte Tilbury
Special Recognition Award for Championing Young Designer Talent: Sarah Mower
Posthumous Special Recognition Award: Joe Casely-Hayford
