by New York may have the Met Gala, its annual May the first parade of mad fashion looks, but in London things are – dare we say – even in the Christmas drizzle, a little chicer. Without a complicated niche dress code to try to interpret, guests at the Fashion Awards are allowed to look great. Last night the BFC’s annual celebrity fundraiser raised the stakes with serious A-list talent on the red carpet: Gwyneth Paltrow (red hot in Valentino), Amal Clooney, Anne Hathaway (also in Valentino), Pamela Anderson (cheap make-up free in Stella). McCartney), Michael Coel (in Ferragamo).
Other exciting trends of the night included pannier-core, courtesy of Alexa Chung (16Arlington), Maya Jama (Dolce & Gabbana) and model Mona Tougaard (Alaïa); and, back the sock pop! Who knew such a style trick would be upon us, but the year is 2023 and here we are. Among those who embraced the hosiery last seen on Mana were 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 Moët bottles and snack bowls (it’s a fashion store, they don’t do dinner). The night opened with a performance by the brand new singer Mette, and then quickly segued into the Edward Enninful show.
The outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue was on stage for the first time to present former Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton with an outstanding achievement award; before returning to the stage with his own Trailblazer gong presented to him by Stormzy and Jodie Comer.
Sam Smith performed a medley of hits including Unholy, before Lena Dunham accepted the Cultural Innovator Award wearing a “glamour sweatshirt”. A poignant moment came from a Posthumous Special Recognition award for Joe Casely-Hayford, who was accepted by his son Charlie. There was also a montage memorial to the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, although some were hoping for more tributes to the design icon.
The surprise guest of the night, Amal Clooney (worse than you’d expect) came on stage to introduce her friend to makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, who won a special recognition award.
London-based rising stars Chopova Lowena took home the New Foundation womenswear awards, honoring “our boys and our dogs”.
The finale came from Gwyneth Paltrow, wearing her favorite color to honor her “dear friend” Valentino Garavani with the Outstanding Achievement Award. The designer wasn’t present, but Paltrow offered: “He’s always been there for me the way he’s been there for the fashion world, steady and shining… I’m always mad at him for showing up to dinner without mascara saying “why can’t you wear a little lipstick” and he hated that I didn’t like to wear red, so tonight I wear red for Mr. Valentino.”
All the Winners
Designer of the Year Award: Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson and LOEWE
New Establishment Menswear Award: Bianca Saunders
Outstanding Achievement Award: Valentino Garavani
Special Recognition Award for Contribution to the Fashion Industry: Charlotte Tilbury
Special Recognition Award for Promoting Young Designer Talent: Sarah Mower
Posthumous Special Recognition Award: Joe Casely-Hayford
Cultural Innovator Award: Sam Smith
Trailblazer Award: Edward Enninful
Pandora Leader of Change Award: Michaela Coel
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Designer: Adhi Campbell
British Womenswear Designer Award: Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo
British Menswear Designer Award: Martine Rose for Martine Rose
BFC Foundation Designer Award: Conner Ives
New Foundation Women’s Clothing Award: Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena
Model of the Year Award: Paloma Elsesser
Special Recognition Award: Sarah Burton
The best dressed guests at the 2023 Fashion Awards
