The British Fashion Council announced that Stella McCartney has been named Designer of the Year, receiving the highest accolade at the British Fashion Awards 2012. McCartney also received the Designer Brand award on behalf of her eponymous label, picking up two awards on the evening, both of which recognize a momentous year for the designer, through her achievements in the fashion industry in 2012.
The evening saw 14 awards presented to the leading figures in fashion, recognizing creative talent and design excellence across all areas of the industry. Industry leaders, retailers, models, celebrities and media supporting both the winners and nominees of these prestigious awards, attended the British Fashion Awards. Guests included Valentino, Manolo Blahnik CBE, Stella McCartney, Sarah Burton, Christopher Kane and Alexa Chung. The honor of Outstanding Achievement in Fashion was awarded to Manolo Blahnik CBE. This special award is one of the most significant of the evening; it celebrates and recognizes one designer, who throughout their career, has made an impact on the global fashion industry and the award pays tribute to Manolo’s extraordinary career and contribution to fashion. Professor Louise Wilson OBE received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, in recognition of her creative inspiration and influence in the fashion industry. Professor Wilson celebrates her 20th anniversary this year as Course Director of the Fashion MA at Central Saint Martins. She is internationally revered as one of the foremost educators of her generation, whose graduates populate the fashion houses of the world.
The Accessory Designer award is the most prestigious accolade which can be won by a leading British designer of shoes, jewellery, millinery or accessories. This year’s award went to Nicholas Kirkwood, in view of his iconic shoe designs and internationally acclaimed business. The New Establishment award was won by Erdem, who over the past two seasons has continued to raise his profile over the past year receiving critical acclaim for his collections from a global audience. Kim Jones was awarded the honor of Menswear Designer of the year for the second year in a row, based on his contribution to the menswear industry and most notably for his work at the helm of luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton’s menswear ready-to-wear line. The Emerging Talent Award – Ready-To-Wear was won by British name to watch, J.W. Anderson; Emerging Talent Award – Menswear was won by Jonathan Saunders based on his breakthrough menswear debut over the past year; and Emerging Talent Award - Accessories was won by Sophie Hulme, in light of her iconic bag designs that have gained global attention. Cara Delevingne picked up the Model award, in recognition of her contribution to the international fashion scene over the past year. Cara’s unique sense of style and flair in front of the camera has made her one of the most prominent names in fashion, walking in an impressive 31 shows in September after being described as the star face of autumn/winter 13 by British Vogue. She most recently graced the catwalk in the iconic Victoria’s Secret show.
Roksanda Ilincic was the recipient of this year’s Red Carpet Award. Industry figures and celebrities alike including the Duchess of Cambridge, Samantha Cameron, Michelle Obama have graced the red carpet in her creations, creating a global awareness of her designs in the media. The British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone recognizes an individual who most embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital. Decided entirely by the public, Alexa Chung has been voted as this year’s winner. This is the third time Alexa has been recognized at the British Fashion Awards for her style credentials, and she remains the sole winner of the British Style Award since its introduction in 2010.
For more information please visit www.britishfashionawards.com