Post by : Meena Ariff

The Fashion Awards returned to the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London this evening, honoring the pioneers defining both British and international fashion. Launched in 1989 by the British Fashion Council, this year's event marked the debut of new CEO Laura Weir, who took charge in January. With her background as the former creative director of Selfridges, Weir has initiated several transformative steps, including new mentorship and scholarship programs, along with waiving fees for London Fashion Week—efforts that have been positively received by designers worldwide.

Hosted by actor Colman Domingo, the night buzzed with nostalgia while looking towards the industry's promising future. Prior announcements included notable winners like Anok Yai as Model of the Year and Little Simz for the Cultural Innovator Award, with key category winners unveiled live during the gala.

The Designer of the Year award went to Rick Owens, Martine Rose, Willy Chavarria, Jonathan Anderson for Dior and JW Anderson, Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu, and Glenn Martens for Diesel and Maison Margiela. In the British womenswear category, recognition was awarded to Simone Rocha, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons of Chopova Lowena, Sarah Burton for Givenchy, Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault of KNWLS, and Erdem Moralioğlu of Erdem. Winners in menswear included Kiko Kostadinov, Craig Green, Nicholas Daley, Foday Dumbuya for Labrum London, Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt, and Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner.

The Vanguard Award celebrated up-and-coming creative talents including Aaron Esh, Dilara Findokoğlu, Feben, Steve O Smith, Tolu Coker, and Torshéju Dumi for Torisheju. This year's additional accolades recognized Anok Yai as Model of the Year, while the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator was awarded to Rei Kawakubo, Adrian Joffe, and Dickon Bowden. Special recognition awards highlighted the 15 years of the BFC Fashion Trust and Delphine Arnault's influence. Brunello Cucinelli was acknowledged for outstanding contributions, while Lulu Kennedy and Raphaelle Moore received honors marking 25 years of Fashion East. Little Simz was awarded the Cultural Innovator Award, and Sam Woolf earned the Pandora Style Moment of the Year.

The ceremony not only highlighted the remarkable achievements of seasoned designers and new talents, but it also embodied a revitalized spirit in British fashion—one focused on innovation, accessibility, and a global perspective.

#Fashion #celebrities