The Fashion Awards rundown

The fashion awards 2021 was a night of appreciation for the past, present and future of fashion, raising money for the British fashion council which supports future growth in the industry, mentoring new creatives and providing opportunities. An opportunity to look at the talent within the industry and award prizes to those from the UK and abroad who have had a significant impact on fashion this year. Celebrating fashions role within culture and recognising the shining stars behind the garments we love, the event on the 30th of November was crammed full of talent. Read more about the night here in The Fashion Awards Rundown.

On the red carpet leading up to the great Albert hall, the night’s host, Billy Porter strikes a pose in a shimmering houndstooth gown and fully adorned Richard Quin posse. Having won the British Emerging Talent Womenswear Award in 2018, Richard Quin looks were very popular with this year’s guests, being worn by the likes of Rina Sawayama in a structured blue floral gown with incorporated gloves, Cindy Bruna in a red ruffled hood from SS22 and Kylie Minogue who performed in an 80’s inspired jumpsuit. Becoming one of the most exciting and authentically British names in the fashion schedule over the last few years, these Richard Quin looks felt right at home at this years Fashion Awards.

Photo by Eeva Rinne

The awards were presented by TikTok and fittingly the red carpet saw young fashion icons and avid users of the app show off their looks. Charles Jeffrey wore a customer LOVERBOY suit and punk-drag hair and makeup by Claire Moore and Pheobe Walters. British singer songwriter, Griff, performed on the carpet wearing a tiered midi dress and pearl bag by Samone Rocha, who later that night won the award for Independent British Brand. Wisdom Kaye, thought by some to be TikTok’s best-dressed guy wore a Vivian Westwood boilersuit and shirt one piece.

Photo by Gareth Cattermole – Getty Images for BFC

The ceremony opened with a tribute to Vigil Ablou, creator of Off-White and artistic director of Louis Vuitton, whose death a couple days prior shook the fashion world. With his hold on the industry over recent years and commitment to supporting other creatives, he will be truly missed by family, friends, and admirers of his work. British actor Idris Elba recited ‘When Great Trees Fall’ by Maya Angelou to commemorate Virgil, a man whose multidisciplinary approach to art resonated with so many and changed the fashion landscape. Elevating black voices and inspiring the next generation of designers Virgil Ablou rewrote what luxury fashion can be, combining music, graphic design, architecture, and product into his work.

The Designer Of The Year award went to Kim Jones for his work at Dior Men and Fendi. The designer who has created a sense of community in the industry, working with many collaborators over the years dedicated his award to his friend Virgil, who followed him as artistic director at Louis Vuitton. Both these legendary menswear designers were amongst the Leaders of Change winners, view the full list here.

The talent incubator Fashion East was mentioned in the ceremony for the bringing us some of londons biggest designers today. Always ahead of the curve and the talent support has introduced us to designers such as Nensi Dojaka who won BFC Foundation Award this year. Celebrating the most exciting new talent Fashion East has been a platform for designers like Mowalola, Craige Green and Charlotte Knowles. Seen on Dua Lipa on The Fashion Awards red carpet was Maximillain, a current designer with Fashion East who strives to display Black Elegance through his work.

Billy Porter also gave a mention to NEW WAVE, 50 of the most innovative creatives coming up in the industry which are being supported by BFC this year. From photographers and digital artists to designers and stylists this group of international talent is one to keep an eye on, view the full list here.

Find out more about The Fashion Awards here

If you enjoyed reading The Fashion Awards rundown why not read The Best of British