"In the past few years, we have put Britain back on the Global Fashion Agenda," said British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman in his opening speech at last night's British Fashion Awards. From the permanent return of Burberry, and now Giles, to London Fashion Week, to High Street phenomena like Topshop, to the success of rising stars like Christopher Kane and Richard Nicoll, to the tragic loss of Alexander McQueen, Britain has gained an increasingly strong presence on the international fashion radar. And judging by the caliber of talents that were celebrated yesterday evening, this is not the last big year for British fashion.
Held for the first time at the opulent Art Deco-style Savoy Theater (they were previously at the V&A), the awards drew their largest-ever audience out into an uncharacteristically cold London night. And while guests like Victoria Beckham, Daphne Guinness, Henry Holland, and a newly auburn-haired Lily Cole hovered together for warmth during the event's pre-awards champagne reception, the chilly temperatures didn't deter the likes of Lara Stone and Alexa Chung from sporting bare (albeit, goose-bumped) arms and legs with their respective Calvin Klein and Chanel frocks.
Hosted by a quick-witted Claudia Winkleman, the evening's first award was that of Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. Naturally, it went to the late Lee McQueen, whose contributions to the fashion world were honored through an intense, abstract film by Nick Knight. Sarah Burton accepted the award on McQueen's behalf, saying "I was privileged enough to work for Lee Alexander McQueen for the last 15 years. He was the bravest, most inspiring man that I've ever met, and we will always miss him."
After the emotional start, Claudia Schiffer presented Nicholas Kirkwood with the award for Accessories Designer of the Year. He humbly accepted in front of a howling crowd. Patrick Grant took home the Menswear prize, while the Emerging Talent Award was given to Meadham Kirchoff for ready-to-wear and Hussam El Odeh for accessories. Burberry's nostalgic film, which was shown before Christopher Bailey accepted the House's award for Digital Innovation, left us all craving a bespoke studded trench and Mulberry took the title of Designer Brand of the Year.
"This is scary!" said an endearingly clumsy Alexa Chung as she descended the stage stairs in six-plus inch heels to claim the British Style Award. Not surprisingly, Calvin Klein model, international superstar, and soon-to-be actress Lara Stone, took home the Model of the Year award. "I really hope this will give me some more recognition, with the public because usually when I walk down the street with my husband (David Walliams) people ask me if I'm Matt Lucas," she joked as she accepted the honor. "I was so nervous when I found out I won, because an award means giving a speech. And I am not one for public speaking! But now that that's over, I couldn't be more honored," added Stone during a post-awards chat.
"I thought British Fashion Awards were for old people!" said newly appointed creative director for Thierry Mugler and Lady Gaga stylist, Nicola Formichetti, before beating out photographers Rankin and Nick Knight for the Isabella Blow award for Fashion Creator of the Year. "Well, not old people," he quickly corrected. "But established people. Nick Knight is like a fashion god. And Rankin used to be my boss. Just to be next to them is such an amazing honor."
Following a heartfelt introduction from i-D Magazine's Edward Enniful, recent Interview cover girl Naomi Campbell tearfully professed that she was "Proud to be British," as she accepted the Special Recognition Award in a bejeweled Sarah Burton gown. And last but certainly not least, an ever-glamorous Bianca Jagger, draped in an emerald, jungle print caftan, presented the evening's highest honor: Designer of the Year. Placing a brief dramatic pause between each word she spoke, Jagger bestowed the final award upon Céline's reserved but grateful Phoebe Philo. And after she said her many thank you's, Naomi's words echoed through the theater because, judging by the violent applause, everyone in the audience was proud to be or, perhaps, proud of, the British.
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