If we had to sum up last night in two words, they would have to be: Bottega Veneta. With all due respect to all the other winners, it was the Italian fashion house led by the talented Yorkshireman Daniel Lee that made history as they swooped up four awards in total, winning in each of the four categories they were nominated in. Other, Bottega-less standout moments include Adut Akech and her moving speech while accepting the Model of the Year award, urging the industry and the world as a whole to create a more inclusive environment. Sustainability maven Bethany Williams was the much-deserved winner in the emerging menswear talent category, while Rihanna (yes, actual Rihanna) arrived to the stage to accept her award for Fenty’s success in the Urban Luxe category from no one other than Janet Jackson and Tyler the Creator. Tracee Ellis Ross brought her signature humour to the stage and modelled some fabulous floral frocks from some of our favourite British designers, including Richard Quinn and Erdem. But you’ll have to wait a but longer for our best-dressed rundown… However, possibly our favourite bit of the night came when Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett presented Mister Giorgio Armani with the Lifetime Achievement Award. How do you say iconic in Italian? It doesn’t really matter – this will forever be remembered as one of the best Fashion Award moments, one that transcends culture or time. His speech? A simple and easy “Thank you,” to everyone who took part in his long, successful run as one of the industry’s greats.
See below the full list of winners, and stay tuned for Ten’s Best Dressed:
Accessories Designer of the Year: Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
Brand of the Year: Bottega Veneta
British Designer of the Year – Menswear: Kim Jones for Dior Men
British Designer of the Year – Womenswear: Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
British Emerging Talent – Menswear: Bethany Williams for Bethany Williams
British Emerging Talent – Womenswear: Rejina Pyo for Rejina Pyo
Designer of the Year: Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
Business Leader: Remo Ruffini for Moncler
Model of the Year: Adut Akech
Urban Luxe: Fenty
Fashion Icon: Naomi Campbell
Outstanding Achievement: Giorgio Armani
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Sam McKnight
Designers’ Designer Award: Christopher Kane for Christopher Kane
Trailblazer Award: Sarah Burton OBE