On December 2, the British Fashion Council (BFC) hosted the 2024 Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This year’s event was hosted by British TV presenter Maya Jama and musician Kojey Radical, with Pandora as the official sponsor.
The event celebrating innovation and creativity in the fashion world drew its biggest spotlight on Jonathan Anderson, who was awarded Designer of the Year. This prestigious honor is presented to a designer who has made a significant impact on the industry through groundbreaking collections and has defined the global fashion landscape. Anderson, receiving this accolade for the second consecutive year, was recognized once again for his visionary work with his brand JW Anderson and LVMH’s Loewe, cementing his influence and creativity on a global scale.
Taking to the stage, Anderson said, “This job is not always the easiest, but I love fashion, it’s something that gets me out of bed every morning. To everyone who is wanting to be a fashion designer, the great thing about fashion is that we all go out of fashion. So there are loads of jobs to be taken downstairs, so come and get them.” His words resonated with a passionate call to the next generation of designers, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the industry.
Highlights and Key Winners
In addition to previously announced awards, such as the Outstanding Achievement Award for Tom Ford and the Trailblazer Award for Moncler’s Remo Ruffini, the following winners were revealed during the evening:
British Womenswear Designer: Simone Rocha
British Menswear Designer: Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner
New Establishment Womenswear: Marco Capaldo for 16Arlington
New Establishment Menswear: Priya Ahluwalia for Ahluwalia
BFC Foundation Designer: Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena
British Accessories Designer: Stephen Jones
Model of the Year: Alex Consani
Cultural Innovator: A$AP Rocky
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Tyler Mitchell
Pandora Leader of Change: Issa Rae
Special Recognition: Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou
Special Recognition: Margaret Barbour
Special Recognition: Nan Goldin and Gucci
A Star-Studded Red Carpet
The evening featured electrifying performances, starting with R&B duo Chloe x Halle delivering a stunning rendition of the Bee Gees’ classic “To Love Somebody.” Legendary singer Debbie Harry followed with surprise performances of “Heart of Glass” and “I Feel Love,” while Wizkid closed the show with a dynamic performance of “Troubled Mind,” dressed in Moncler.
The red carpet also dazzled, with Rihanna commanding attention in a vintage Christian Lacroix turquoise fur ensemble, while A$AP Rocky exuded elegance in Bottega Veneta. Other notable appearances included Daisy Ridley in an elegant Miu Miu gown, Maya Jama in a striking Conner Ives creation, and Gemma Chan in a stylish Self-Portrait x Christopher Kane look. The event was a celebration of individuality, with celebrities showcasing everything from high-end couture to bold, statement-making designs.
The evening was not without drama, as PETA activists stormed the red carpet, calling for a ban on the use of feathers in fashion. Their protest highlighted the industry’s ongoing conversations about animal welfare, following the BFC’s recent announcement that exotic skins would no longer be permitted at London Fashion Week. The incident underscored the growing focus on sustainability and ethical practices in fashion.
The Fashion Awards 2024 stood as a testament to the power of creativity, diversity, and innovation, solidifying its place as one of the industry’s most significant annual events.
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