New York may have the Met Gala, the annual May parade of outrageous fashion looks, but in London it’s – dare we say – a little chicer, even in the December drizzle. Without a niche, complicated dress code to try to interpret, guests at the Fashion Awards are free to simply look fantastic. Last night, the BFC’s annual fundraiser also upped the celebrity stakes with some serious A-list talent on the red carpet: Gwyneth Paltrow (red hot in Valentino archives), Amal Clooney, Anne Hathaway (also in Valentino archives), Pamela Anderson (make- up free in Stella McCartney), Michael Coel (in Ferragamo).
Other compelling trends of the evening included the suitcase core, courtesy of Alexa Chung (16Arlington), Maya Jama (Dolce & Gabbana) and model Mona Tougaard (Alaïa); and the return of the pop sock! Who would have thought such a styling trick would happen to us, but the year is 2023 and here we are. Those donning the stockings last seen on your Nan included Saltburn actor Archie Madekwe and Vivienne Westwood designer Andreas Kronthaler, while Sam Smith opted for full leg coverage with sheer black tights.
Inside, the tables were piled high with bottles of Moët and bowls of snacks (it’s fashion dear, they don’t do dinner). The evening started with a performance by emerging singer Mette and then quickly moved into the Edward Enninful show.
The outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue was first on stage to present former Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton with an Outstanding Achievement Award; before taking to the stage again to collect his own Trailblazer gong, presented by Stormzy and Jodie Comer.
Sam Smith performed a great medley of hits, including Unholy, before accepting the Cultural Innovator Award from Lena Dunham, wearing what she described as a ‘glam sweatshirt’. A poignant moment came from a posthumous special recognition award for Joe Casely-Hayford, accepted by his son Charlie. There was also a montage remembrance of the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, although some expected more of a tribute to the design icon.
Surprise guest of the evening Amal Clooney (possier than you might expect) took to the stage to present her friend, the make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, who accepted a special recognition award.
London-based rising stars Chopova Lowena scooped the New Establishment Womenswear Awards, with the honor dedicated to ‘our boyfriends and our dogs’.
The finale came from Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore her least favorite color to honor her “dear friend” Valentino Garavani with the Outstanding Achievement Award. The designer wasn’t present, but Paltrow said of him: “He’s always been there for me, like he’s been there for the fashion world, steadfast and radiant… In my real life I’m usually more of a tomboy and he’s always mad at me for showing up to dinner without mascara and saying “Why can’t you wear a little lipstick” and he hated that I didn’t like wearing red so tonight I’m wearing red for Mr. Valentino.
The winners completely
Designer of the Year Award: Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson and LOEWE
Price for new men’s clothing location: Bianca Saunders
Award for Outstanding Achievement: Valentino Garavani
Special Recognition Award for Contribution to the Fashion Industry: Charlotte Tilbury
Special recognition award for championing young designer talent: Sara Maaier
Posthumous Special Recognition Award: Joe Casely-Hayford
Prize for Cultural Innovator: Sam Smith
Trailblazer Prize: Edward Ennful
The Pandora Leader of Change Award: Michael Coel
Isabella Blow Award for fashion maker: Campbell Addy
British Womenswear Designer Award: Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo
British Menswear Designer Award: Martine Rose for Martine Rose
BFC Foundation Designer Award: Conner Ives
New location for women’s clothing: Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena
Model of the Year Award: Paloma Elsser
Special Recognition Award: Sara Burton
The best-dressed guests at the Fashion Awards 2023
