In front of some 2,000 members of the global fashion industry, the British Fashion Award winners for 2014 were announced at a ceremony held in the London Coliseum, during which the life and work of the late Professor Louise Wilson was also honored.
Put on by the British Fashion Council to mark the UK fashion industry’s success in 2014, attendees included British first lady, Samantha Cameron, singer Lana del Rey, Harry Styles and model-turned-entrepreneur Kate Moss, making the night a mix of fashion influencers and style icons.
Presented by singer Rita Ora and media personality Nick Grimshaw, Marques’Almeida took out the coveted Emerging Womenswear Designer award, while the Emerging Menswear Designer title was given to Craig Green.
The prestigious awards are heavily sought after, with past winners seeing their labels propelled onto the global fashion platform following the recognition gained.
Canadian-born Erdem won this year’s Womenswear category while J.W. Anderson took home the crown for Menswear. The Brand award was given to Victoria Beckham and the Red Carpet Designer award went to Alexander McQueen, presented to Sarah Burton by friend, Kate Moss.
Celebrating British fashion talent beyond the clothes, Cara Delevingne was named Model of the Year, receiving the award from supermodel trio Karlie Kloss, Joan Smalls and Delevingne’s sister, Poppy. The Special Recognition award went to photographer Chris Moore, who received the honor from international fashion editor, Suzy Menkes.
Presented by Naomi Campbell, the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator was allocated to stylist Edward Enninful; while Anna Wintour, was awarded the Outstanding Achievement award for her contribution to British fashion during her time at US Vogue.
Designer and former Dior creative director, John Galliano, who made his re-entry into fashion with a speech at
the BFAs, presented the American Vogue editor her award. Galliano, now the creative director at Maison Martin Margiela, lauded the "loyal friends" who had supported him through his "highs and lows", without whom he wouldn't be standing before the industry "healthy and happy again".
The Emerging Designer Accessory category was won by Prism while Anya Hindmarch won Accessory brand of the year for 2014.
Other winners of the night were Louis Vuitton for Creative Campaign and Emma Watson for the British Style award. Simone Rocha and Preen took home the New Establishment and Establishment awards, respectively.
The late Professor Louise Wilson was also honoured at the ceremony in a tribute that saw models wearing looks created by design students she had taught at Central Saint Martins including Christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou.
The British Fashion Awards is an annual event prepared and hosted by the British Fashion Council. The BFA chose 17 winners from up to 200 nominees. Some 400-fashion industry personnel and 3,000 members of the public cast
their votes.