Wednesday 8 December 2010

The British Fashion Awards 2010!

Known to many as 'the fashion Oscars'; the fashion elite gathered at top London hotel, The Savoy last night to celebrate the best Britain has to offer (see all the nominees here). The Prime Minister's wife even dressed up for the occasion in a gorgeous black Osman gown but, never one to be accused of lavish spending in the face of drastic government cuts, her shoes were Next.

British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman with Samantha Cameron in Osman

Presented by Samantha Cameron was a touching film tribute to the late Lee Alexander McQueen who was posthumously awarded for his Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design, a fitting tribute to an extraordinary designer who received the coveted Designer of the Year Award an astounding four times during his career. The film which featured McQueen's most iconic pieces was directed by Nick Knight and styled by Edward Enninful. His successor and long-time assistant, Sarah Burton collected the award on his behalf.


Guests included supermodels, designers and industry insiders alike; Claudia Schiffer, Yasmin Le Bon, Christopher Kane, Thandie Newton and Daphne Guiness were among those who attended the event.
Model Daisy Lowe in Elie Saab

Supermodel and actress Lily Cole showing off her newly brunette locks in Nicholas Kirkwood shoes

British Fashion Awards nominee Charlotte Dellal of Charlotte Olympia, with designer Henry Holland of House of Holland

Designer Giles with super-stylist and editor-in-chief of Love magazine Katie Grand

Two new categories were introduced at this year's awards, namely Digital Innovation and Special Recognition. Special Recognition was given to supermodel Naomi Campbell for her contributions to the fashion industry over the last 25 years who fittingly wore a beautiful couture dress by her late friend, McQueen. Digital Innovation unsurprisingly went to Burberry who have been pushing boundaries for seasons - they were one of the first brands to live stream their shows worldwide, prompting hundreds of designers to follow suit.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell in couture McQueen

Burberry designer Christopher Bailey

It wasn't a big night for Burberry who only picked up only one of a possible four awards. Patrick Grant picked up the award for Best Menswear Designer for his label E. Tautz, Mulberry scooped Best Designer Brand and the award of the night went to Phoebe Philo for Celine who took the coveted Designer of the Year award.

Designer of the Year Phoebe Philo of Celine

My favourite award of the night, the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, deservedly went to reknowned over-achiever Nicola Formichetti who, at 33, has worked for top fashion titles such as V Magazine, Dazed and Confused, AnOther and Vogue Hommes Japan. He is currently creative director of Thierry Mugler and also finds the time to play stylist to a little someone called Lady Gaga.

Fashion Creator of the Year Nicola Formichetti backstage with his award, with Daphne Guiness

Fashion darling and previous Emerging Talent winner, Nicholas Kirkwood finally picked up the big prize of Best Accessories Designer. Other winners included; Meadham Kirchhoff for Ready-to-Wear Emerging Talent and Husam el Odeh for Accessories Emerging Talent and the British public voted for Alexa Chung to take home the British Style Award.

Alexa Chung backstage with her award in Chanel

Accessories Designer of the Year Nicholas Kirkwood with actress Thandie Newton in Kirkwood shoes

Upset of the night for me: newlywed and current face of Calvin Klein, Lara Stone beat out David Gandy to pick up the Model of the Year award. Poor Gandy!

Model of the Year Lara Stone

British Fashion Awards nominee David Gandy

More soon.
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All photos from britishfashionawards.com