New York may host the Met Gala, the first parade of crazy fashion looks, every May, but in London things are – dare we say – a little chicer, even in the December drizzle. Without a niche to try and interpret, without complicated dress codes, guests of the Fashion Awards are free to look fabulous. 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 the Valentino archive), Amal Clooney, Anne Hathaway (also in the Valentino archive), Pamela Anderson (makeup-free in the Stella). McCartney), Michael Coel (at Feragamo).
Other intriguing trends of the night included side bags courtesy of Alexa Chung (16Arlington), Maya Jama (Dolce & Gabbana) and model Mona Tougaard (Alaïa); and the return of the pop sock! Who knew such a style hack would happen to us, but it’s 2023 and here we are. Those wearing the stockings last seen in Your Nan include Saltburn actor Archie Madekwe and Vivienne Westwood designer Andreas Kronthaler, while Sam Smith opted to cover her entire legs in sheer black tights.
The tables were filled with bottles of Moët and bowls of snacks (this is trendy, darling, they’re not having dinner). The night opened with a performance by up-and-coming singer Mette and then quickly moved into the Edward Enninful show.
The outgoing British Vogue editor-in-chief became the first person to take to the stage and present an outstanding achievement award to former Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton; before returning to the stage to receive his own Trailblazer gong, presented to him by Stormzy and Jodie Comer.
Sam Smith performed a dazzling mix of hits, including Unholy, before accepting Lena Dunham’s Cultural Innovator Award wearing what he described as a “flashy sweatshirt”. A touching moment came from Joe Casely-Hayford’s Special Posthumous Recognition award, accepted by his son Charlie. There was also a mounting tribute to the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, but some expected more homage to the design icon.
The night’s surprise guest, Amal Clooney (more stylish than you’d expect), took the stage to introduce her friend, makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, who received a special award.
London-based rising stars Chopova Lowena accepted the New Establishment womenswear awards, dedicating the honor 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 there, but Paltrow said of her: “She’s always been there for me, determined and radiant, just like she is in the fashion world… In my real life, I tend to be more of a man, and she always comes to dinner without mascara and says, ‘why don’t you put on some lipstick?’ “She was angry and hated that I didn’t like wearing red, so I wore red for Mr. Valentino tonight.”
Full 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 Young Designer Talent Championship: Sarah Mower
Special Posthumous Recognition Award: Joe Casely-Hayford
Cultural Innovator Award: Sam Smith
Pioneer Award: Edward Enninful
Pandora Change Leader Award: Michaela Coel
Fashion Creator Isabella Blow Award: Campbell Addy
British Womenswear Designer Award: Maximilian Davis at Ferragamo
British Menswear Designer Award: Martine Rose instead of Martine Rose
BFC Foundation Designer Award: Conner Ives
New Establishment Women’s Wear Award: Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena
Model of the Year Award: Paloma Elsesser
Special Recognition Award: Sarah Burton
Best dressed guests of Fashion Awards 2023
