On Monday December 4th, the British Fashion Awards presented by the British Fashion Council took place. Established in 1989, the event’s purpose is to showcase the talent in and outside of Britain in the fashion community. Fashion industry insiders gathered with celebrities, influencers and others to celebrate talent from around the world. Let’s take a look into the winners of the night.
Designer of The Year
Fashion designer Jonathan Anderson, the creative director for both brands JW Anderson and Loewe, won the award for Designer of The Year. As creative director of Loewe, Jonathan has aided in making it one of the most popular fashion brands of the year. It has quickly become a go to for celebrities looking to make a statement on the red carpet, as seen with actress Taylor Russells’ 2024 Met Gala look, which consisted of a 3d molded brown corset paired with a intricately draped white skirt. The brand also continues to go viral on social media, with “out there” runway looks and cheeky Tiktok’s on the brand’s account.
Model of the Year
Model and social media influencer Alex Consani won Model of the Year last night, making history with her win in the category. However, her win has been met with much controversy, as this is the second time that fashion model Anok Yai has lost the Model of the Year award in two years, with many including myself believing that she is consistently being snubbed by the British Fashion Council. Anok herself even took to Instagram and Twitter to speak on her reaction, stating on Twitter directly to the British Fashion Council, ” Thank you, but I don’t want it anymore.”
British Menswear Designer of the Year
Grace Wales Bonner, creative director for Wales Bonner, won the award for British Menswear Designer of the Year. The designer has an ongoing partnership with Adidas, and is known for her intricate tailoring and sportswear designs. She has collaborated with a multitude of celebrities, including Meghan Markle, Jaden Smith and Luka Sabbat.
British Womenswear Designer of the Year
Simone Rocha, creative director of her eponymous brand, won British Womenswear Designer of the Year. Simone Rocha has received numerous traction online, specifically for popularizing the bow trend that took place earlier this year. Her brand has an eclectic and feminine touch that contributes to a distinctive brand identity, and i am not surprised that she won this award.
New Establishment Menswear
Priyu Ahluwalia work on her eponymous label won her the award for New Establishment Menswear. She has dressed celebrities including model Leomi Anderson and Charithra Chandran, whom you may recognize from Bridgerton.
New Establishment Womenswear
Creative director of 16arlignton Marco Capaldo took home the award for New Establishment Womenswear. 16arlington has been rising in prominence this past year, being seen on the likes of Hailey Bieber and other celebrities.
British Accessories Designer
Stephen Jones took home the award for his eponymous label, with his distinctive hats and various accessories used on high fashion runways for brands like Christian Dior, which have in part created some of the most iconic fashion moments.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Tom Ford, one of the most successful fashion designers to come out of the 20th century, received this award last night. Tom Ford joined Gucci in the late 1990s, and transformed it into one of the most successful fashion companies of its time. Upon leaving, he started his own label, becoming very successful as well before he gave the reins of creative director to designer Peter Hawkings.
The Cultural Innovator Award
One of the most anticipated moments of the night was when A$AP Rocky received the Cultural Innovator Award. Joining him for the night was Singer Rihanna, who hit the red carpet in a vintage Christian LaCroix Haute Couture look. A$AP Rocky is seen as one of the many prominent male figures in fashion, and its no surprise that he won this award.
