The Fashion Awards

The Fashion Awards, known as the British Fashion Awards until 2016,^[1] is an annual ceremony established in the United Kingdom in 1989^[2] to showcase both British and international individuals and businesses who have made the most outstanding contributions to the fashion industry during the year. The ceremony is organized by the British Fashion Council, and is the primary fundraiser for the BFC's Education Foundation; a charity that promotes excellence in design by financially supporting students with the ability and potential to make an exceptional contribution to the fashion industry.

The BFC Support Initiatives

BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund,
BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund Supported by JD.com, Inc
NEWGEN,
Positive Fashion,
Coronavirus Foundation Fashion Fund,
The Black in Fashion Council.

History

Originally named the British Fashion Awards, the first Fashion Awards ceremony took place on 17 October 1989 and was attended by Princess Diana, who wore a Catherine Walker gown (Elvis dress) especially for the occasion.^[3]

In 2010 four-time winner of British Designer of the Year award, Alexander McQueen received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design in recognition of his illustrious career.

In 2007 the Fashion Creator Award is renamed Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator in honour of Isabella Blow, who died on 7 May 2007. Blow was renowned for her unerring support of British designers and for her contribution to the international fashion industry as a whole.

Award categories

Designer of the Year

Recognises an international designer whose innovative collections have made a notable impact on the industry, defining the shape of global fashion.

Accessories Designer of the Year

Celebrates a designer that has proven instrumental in elevating accessories to the forefront of the fashion industry, demonstrating a skill for both creativity and commerce, and establishing their brand as a global fashion leader.

Business Leader

This award recognises the work of a CEO or President of a fashion business who has overseen both creative and commercial success in the past year. With a natural aptitude to nurture both creative talent and commercial growth, the "Business Leader" enables creative freedom alongside financial stability, which in turn generates innovation and excitement within the industry and beyond.

Urban Luxe Award

Celebrating the innovation and influence of a contemporary apparel brand, the recipient of this award has redefined the way "sportswear" is perceived across the globe, elevating "casual" to high end and directional fashion.

British Emerging Talent - Womenswear

Recognising new British womenswear talent, this award celebrates a British-based womenswear or accessories designer who over the last 12 months has had a major creative impact on global fashion.

British Emerging Talent - Menswear

Celebrating emerging talent in British menswear, this award recognises the innovation and creative influence from a British-based menswear or accessories designer, whose collections have gained international attention this year.

British Designer of the Year - Womenswear

Celebrating a British womenswear designer that has been instrumental in innovating and leading women's fashion over the last year – excelling both creatively and commercially, creating an impressive footprint on the global fashion stage.

British Designer of the Year - Menswear

Recognises a leading British menswear designer who has consistently made a global impact with their innovative and creative designs, shaping the burgeoning international menswear landscape.

Model of the Year

Recognises the global impact of a model, male or female, who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry. With an influence that transcends the catwalk, the Model of The Year has made an outstanding contribution to the industry, garnering numerous editorial and advertising campaigns throughout the year.

Outstanding achievement

The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates the overwhelming creative contribution of an individual to the fashion industry, who throughout their illustrious career has constantly shaped and reshaped the fashion world through their innovation and creativity. Their influence has reached far beyond the industry, influencing the way the general public perceive and consume fashion. This timeless visionary remains an inspiration to both peers and protégés alike.

Swarovski Award for Positive Change

The Swarovski Award for Positive Change recognises and celebrates brands or individuals who promote the welfare of others and generously use their resources to benefit good causes.

Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator

Recognising the very best innovators and creatives in fashion, this award celebrates invaluable contributions that have changed the entire fashion landscape. With a discerning eye and incessant drive, this creative has brought designers' creations to life and helped create worlds within brands. Their dedication to the craft has attracted legions of fans and the incredible body of work has already left an indelible mark on the entire industry.

2020s Special Categories

In 2020, the British Fashion Awards were broken down into only four categories - Community, Creativity, Environment and People. Five people won each award.^[4] In 2021, normal categories resumed, with the addition of awards for fifteen "Leaders of Change" in the fashion industry.^[5] In 2022, the "Leaders of Change" award remained, but the normal categories were replaced with Model of the Year, Designer of the Year, Independent British Brand, and BFC Foundation Award.^[6]

Awards Winners

2023

Award	Nominated
Designer of the Year	Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson and Loewe
BFC Foundation Award	Conner Ives
British Menswear Designer of the Year	Martine Rose for Martine Rose
British Womenswear Designer of the Year	Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo
New Establishment - Menswear	Bianca Saunders
New Establishment - Womenswear	Chopova Lowena
Model of the Year	Paloma Elsesser
Special Recognition Award for Championing Young Designer Talent	Sarah Mower (winner)
Outstanding Achievement Award	Valentino Garavani
Special Recognition Award	Sarah Burton
Posthumous Special Recognition Award	Joe Casely-Hayford
Special Recognition Award for Contribution to the Fashion Industry	Charlotte Tilbury
Trailblazer Award	Edward Enninful
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Campbell Addy
Pandora Leader of Change Award	Michaela Coel
Cultural Innovator Award	Sam Smith

2022

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino
BFC Foundation Award	S.S. Daley
Independent British Designer Award	Wales Bonner
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Katie Grand
Metaverse World & Gaming Experience Award	Burberry
Model of the Year	Bella Hadid
Outstanding Achievement Award	Yvon Chouinard
Special Recognition Award for Cultural Curation	Jefferson Hack
Leaders of Change
Creativity	Alessandro Michele
	Daniel Roseberry
	Harris Reed
	Ibrahim Kamara
	Raf Simons
Environment	Bethany Williams
	Connor Ives
	Gabriela Hearst
	Marine Serre
	Priya Ahluwalia
People	Aurora James
	Harry Lambert
	Julie Pelipas
	Sinéad Burke
	Rafael Pavarotti

2021

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Kim Jones for Dior Men and Fendi
BFC Foundation Award	Nensi Dojaka
Independent British Designer Award	Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Ib Kamara
Outstanding Achievement Award	Tommy Hilfiger
Special Recognition Award	Dylan Jones
Trailblazer Award	Alessandro Michele
Leaders of Change
Creativity	Alessandro Michele
	Demna Gvasalia
	Jonathon Anderson
	Kim Jones
	Virgil Abloh (posthumous)
Environment	Ahluwalia
	Bethany Williams
	Gabriela Hearst
	Phoebe English
	Stella McCartney
People	Edward Enninful
	Harris Reed
	Kenya Hunt
	Samuel Ross
	Telfar Clemens

2020

Award	Winner
Community	A Sai Ta
	Chanel
	Emergency Designer Network
	Kenneth Ize
	Michael Halpern
Creativity	Grace Wales Bonner
	Jonathan Anderson
	Kim Jones
	Prada, Miuccia Prada, and Raf Simons
	Riccardo Tisci and Burberry
Environment	Anya Hindmarch
	Christopher Raeburn
	Gabriela Hearst
	Stella McCartney
	The Fashion Pact
People	Aurora James
	Edward Enniful
	Lindsay Peoples Wagner and Sandrine Charles for the Black in Fashion Council
	Priya Ahluwalia
	Samuel Ross

2019

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
Accessories Designer of the Year	Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
Business Leader	Remo Ruffini for Moncler
Urban Luxe Award	Fenty
Model of the Year	Adut Akech
British Emerging Talent - Womenswear	Rejina Pyo for Rejina Pyo
British Emerging Talent - Menswear	Bethany Williams for Bethany Williams
British Designer of the Year - Womenswear	Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
British Designer of the Year - Menswear	Kim Jones for Dior Homme
Outstanding Achievement Award	Giorgio Armani
Award For Positive Change	Signatories of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action launched at UN Convention on Climate Change
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Sam McKnight
Brand of the Year	Bottega Veneta
Fashion Icon	Naomi Campbell
Trailblazer Award	Sarah Burton OBE

2018

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino
Accessories Designer of the Year	Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga
Business Leader	Marco Bizzarri for Gucci
Urban Luxe Award	Virgil Abloh for Off-White
Model of the Year	Kaia Gerber
British Emerging Talent - Womenswear	Richard Quinn for Richard Quinn
British Emerging Talent - Menswear	Samuel Ross for A-COLD-WALL
British Designer of the Year - Womenswear	Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy
British Designer of the Year - Menswear	Craig Green for CRAIG GREEN
Outstanding Achievement Award	Miuccia Prada
Swarovski Award for Positive Change	Dame Vivienne Westwood
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Mert and Marcus
Brand of the Year	Gucci
Special Recognition Award for Innovation	Parley for the Oceans
2018 Trailblazer	Kim Jones

2017

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
Accessories Designer of the Year	Jonathan Anderson for Loewe
Business Leader	Marco Bizzarri for Gucci
Urban Luxe Award	Off-White
Model of the Year	Naomi Campbell
British Emerging Talent - Womenswear	Michael Halpern for Halpern
British Emerging Talent - Menswear	Charles Jeffrey for Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY
British Designer of the Year - Womenswear	Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson
British Designer of the Year - Menswear	Craig Green for CRAIG GREEN
Outstanding Contribution to British Fashion Award	Christopher Bailey MBE
Swarovski Award for Positive Change	Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Pat McGrath MBE
Fashion Icon Versace & Artistic Director	Donatella Versace
Special Recognition Award for Innovation	Stella McCartney OBE

2016

Award	Winner
British Menswear Designer of the Year	Craig Green for Craig Green
British Womenswear Designer of the Year	Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha
British Emerging Talent	Molly Goddard
The Swarovski Award for Positive Change	Franca Sozzani
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Bruce Weber
Special Recognition	100 Years of British Vogue
British Brand	Alexander McQueen
International Business Leader	Marco Bizzarri for Gucci
International Urban Luxury Brand	Vetements by Guram Gvasalia
International Accessories Designer	Alessandro Michele for Gucci
International Ready-to-Wear Designer	Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga
International Model	Gigi Hadid
New Fashion Icon	Jaden & Willow Smith
Outstanding Achievement	Ralph Lauren

2015

Award	Winner
Menswear Designer of The Year	JW Anderson
Womenswear Designer of The Year	JW Anderson
Emerging Womenswear Designer	Thomas Tait
Emerging Menswear Designer	Grace Wales Bonner
Emerging Accessory Designer	Jordan Askill
Red Carpet	Tom Ford
Model	Jourdan Dunn
Outstanding Achievement Award	Karl Lagerfeld
Creative Campaign	Burberry
International Designer	Alessandro Michele for Gucci
New Establishment Designer	Mary Katrantzou
Establishment Designer	Erdem
Brand	Stella McCartney
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Nick Knight
British Style - Red Carpet Ambassador	Gwendoline Christie
British Style - Fashion Innovator	FKA Twigs
Accessory Designer	Charlotte Olympia

2014

Award	Winner
Menswear Designer of The Year	J.W. Anderson
Womenswear Designer of The Year	Erdem
Emerging Womenswear Designer	Marques'Almeida
Emerging Menswear Designer	Craig Green
Emerging Accessory Designer	Prism
Red Carpet Designer	Alexander McQueen
Model	Cara Delevingne
Special Recognition Award	Chris Moore
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Edward Enninful
International Designer	Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton
Outstanding Achievement Award	Anna Wintour OBE
Creative Campaign	Louis Vuitton
New Establishment Designer	Simone Rocha
Establishment Designer	Preen
Brand	Victoria Beckham
British Style Award	Emma Watson
Accessory Designer	Anya Hindmarch

2013

Award	Winner
Menswear Designer of The Year	Christopher Bailey For Burberry
Womenswear Designer of The Year	Christopher Kane
Emerging Womenswear Designer	Simone Rocha
Emerging Menswear Designer	Agi & Sam
Emerging Accessories Designer	Sophia Webster
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Lady Amanda Harlech
Model of The Year	Edie Campbell
International Designer of The Year	Miuccia Prada For Prada
Red Carpet Award	Erdem
New Establishment Designer of The Year	J.W. Anderson
Brand of The Year	Burberry
British Style Award Brought to You by Vodafone	Harry Styles
Accessory Designer of The Year	Nicholas Kirkwood
BFC Outstanding Achievement Award	Terry and Tricia Jones
Special Recognition Award	Kate Moss
Special Recognition Award	Suzy Menkes

2012

Award	Winner
Designer of The Year	Stella McCartney
British Style Award	Alexa Chung
Emerging Talent Award - Ready-To-Wear	J.W. Anderson
Emerging Talent Award - Menswear	Jonathan Saunders
Red Carpet Award	Roksanda Ilincic
Emerging Talent - Accessories	Sophie Hulme
Accessory Designer	Nicholas Kirkwood
Designer Brand	Stella McCartney
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Louise Wilson
Model	Cara Delevingne
New Establishment Award	Erdem
Menswear Designer	Kim Jones For Louis Vuitton
BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion	Manolo Blahnik CBE
Special Recognition Award	Harold Tillman

2011

Award	Winner
Designer of The Year	Sarah Burton For Alexander McQueen
Emerging Talent Award - Ready-To-Wear	Mary Katrantzou
Emerging Talent Award - Accessories	Tabitha Simmons
Emerging Talent Award - Menswear	Christopher Raeburn
Model	Stella Tennant
Designer Brand	Victoria Beckham
British Style Award	Alexa Chung
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Sam Gainsbury
Red Carpet Award	Stella McCartney
Accessory Designer	Charlotte Olympia
New Establishment Award	Christopher Kane

2010

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Phoebe Philo for Celine
BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion	Alexander McQueen
Accessory Designer	Nicholas Kirkwood
Model	Lara Stone
Menswear Designer	E. Tautz
Emerging Talent Award - Ready-to-Wear	Meadham Kirchhoff
Emerging Talent Award - Accessories	Husam El Odeh
Special Recognition	Naomi Campbell
Digital Innovation	Burberry
British Style	Alexa Chung
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Nicola Formichetti
Designer Brand	Mulberry

2009

Award	Winner
BFC Designer of the Year	Christopher Bailey
Swarovski Emerging Talent Award for Accessories	Holly Fulton
Swarovski Emerging Talent Award for Ready-to-Wear	Peter Pilotto
Designer Brand	Burberry
Model	Georgia May Jagger
Accessory Designer	Katie Hillier
Menswear Designer	Kim Jones for Dunhill
BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design	John Galliano
London 25	Kate Moss
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Grace Coddington
BFC British Collection of the Year	Christopher Kane

2008

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Luella Bartley
Outstanding Achievement	Stephen Jones
Swarovski Emerging Talent Award - Accessories	Nicholas Kirkwood
Swarovski Emerging Talent Award - Ready to Wear	Louise Goldin
Menswear Designer	Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Red Carpet Designer	Matthew Williamson
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator	Tim Walker
Designer Brand	Jimmy Choo
Accessory Designer	Rupert Sanderson
Model	Jourdan Dunn
Bespoke	Richard James

2007

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Stella McCartney
Red Carpet Designer	Marchesa
New Generation Designer	Christopher Kane
Accessory Designer	Tom Binns
Best New Retail Concept	Marc Jacobs
Menswear Designer	Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Model	Agyness Deyn
Designer Brand	Anya Hindmarch
BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design	Dame Vivienne Westwood
BFC Enterprise Award (sponsor: Swarovski)	Erdem
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creation	Michael Howells

2006

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Giles Deacon
Red Carpet Designer	Vivienne Westwood
New Generation Designer	Marios Schwab
Accessory Designer	Stuart Vevers for Mulberry
Retailer	B Store
Menswear Designer	Kim Jones
Model of the Year	Kate Moss
V&A Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion	Joan Burstein CBE
Fashion Creator	Eugene Souleiman
BFC Fashion Enterprise	Jonathan Saunders

2005

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Christopher Bailey
Red Carpet Designer	Roland Mouret
New Generation Designer	Duro Olowu
Accessory Designer	Stephen Jones
Retailer	Dover Street Market
Menswear Designer	Carlo Brandelli for Kilgour
Model of the Year	Karen Elson
V&A Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion	Suzy Menkes OBE
Fashion Creator	Charlotte Tilbury

2004

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Phoebe Philo
New Designer	Giles Deacon
Accessory Designer	Mulberry
Retailer	Net-a-Porter
Menswear Designer	Alexander McQueen
Model of the Year	Lily Cole
V&A Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion	David Bailey
Fashion Creator	Pat McGrath

2003

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Alexander McQueen
New Generation Designer	Sophia Kokosalaki
Accessory Designer	Manolo Blahnik CBE
Glamour Designer	Julien Macdonald
Contemporary Designer	Paul Smith
High Street Fashion Retailer	Reiss
Menswear Designer	Paul Smith
British Journalist of the Year	Hilary Alexander
Most Stylish Photographer	Mario Testino
Most Stylish Model	Erin O'Connor
Stylist	Katie Grand
Female TV Personality	Kim Cattrall
Male TV Personality	Ant & Dec
Movie Actress	Minnie Driver
Movie Actor	Ewan McGregor
Male Music Artist	Robbie Williams
Female Music Artist	Victoria Beckham
Sports Personality	David Beckham

2002

No awards given

2001

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Alexander McQueen
Glamour Designer	Julien Macdonald
Classic Designer	Paul Smith
Contemporary Designer	Burberry
Accessory Designer	Anya Hindmarch
Street Style	i.e. uniform
New Generation Designer	Stella McCartney
Retailer	Topshop
Journalist	Lisa Armstrong
Stylist	Lucinda Chambers
Model	Kate Moss
Menswear	Richard James
Rover People's Award	Jemima Khan

2000

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Hussein Chalayan
Glamour Designer	Stella McCartney
Classic Design	Burberry
Contemporary Design	Joseph
Accessory Designer	Jimmy Choo
Street Style	Maharishi
New Generation Designer	Tracey Boyd
Retailer	Topshop
Journalist	Mimi Spencer
Stylist	Katy England
Menswear Designer	Ozwald Boateng
Rover People's Award	Alexander McQueen

1999

Award	Winner
Designer of the Year	Hussein Chalayan
Hall of Fame	Vidal Sassoon
Classic Design	Burberry
Contemporary Designer	Betty Jackson
Accessory Designer	Manolo Blahnik CBE
Street Style	YMC
New Generation Designer	Elspeth Gibson
Retailer	French Connection
Journalist	Suzy Menkes
Glamour Designer	English Eccentrics
Stylist	Lucinda Chambers
Menswear	Paul Smith

1998