The British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards 2024 took center stage at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, drawing an impressive array of designers, models, actors, and industry insiders. Hosted by television presenter Maya Jama alongside artist Kojey Radical, the event honored leading figures in the fashion world while providing a platform for emerging talents.
For the second consecutive year, Jonathan Anderson, creative director of the luxury brand Loewe and founder of his own namesake label, JW Anderson, clinched the coveted Designer of the Year award. This recognition underscores not only Anderson’s consistent innovation in design, but also his ability to resonate with contemporary fashion cultures. His work epitomizes a blend of craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, which have become the hallmarks of his collections.
Simone Rocha was awarded the British Womenswear Designer title, a testament to her distinct style that merges romanticism with a punk sensibility. Rocha’s designs often feature intricate embellishments and unexpected forms, establishing her as a key voice in women’s fashion today. Meanwhile, Grace Wales Bonner emerged victorious in the British Menswear category, noted for her exploration of identity through clothing, which speaks to a generation’s evolving understanding of gender and self-expression.
Awards at the ceremony extended beyond established names. Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena, founders of the contemporary brand Chopova Lowena, received the BFC Foundation Designer Award—an accolade encouraging new talent by recognizing standout participants of the BFC’s NewGen talent scheme. Their unique approach combines traditional textile techniques with modern silhouettes, setting them apart in a competitive landscape.
Marco Calpado of 16Arlington and Priya Ahluwalia received New Establishment Awards for womenswear and menswear, respectively. These honors spotlight a group of designers who have made significant strides in contemporary fashion while pushing the boundaries of traditional design practices. Their collections have struck a chord with fashion-forward audiences, exemplifying how innovation can drive market trends.
The ceremony also recognized icons within the industry. Tom Ford, who recently stepped away from his eponymous label, garnered the Outstanding Achievement Award. His remarkable career has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of perfectionism and daring designs, expressed eloquently in his body of work. Condé Nast chief content officer Anna Wintour’s commendation of Ford highlighted his lasting impact and influence on the fashion narrative.
Remo Ruffini, CEO of Moncler Group, was similarly celebrated with the Trailblazer Award, reflecting his forward-thinking vision that has successfully transitioned Moncler into a brand synonymous with both luxury and functionality.
Also honored was Tyler Mitchell, recipient of the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, who has reshaped fashion photography by highlighting diverse narratives within the industry. Model of the Year went to Alex Consani, whose presence and versatility on the runway have earned her widespread acclaim. Finally, A$AP Rocky secured the Cultural Innovator Award, signaling the intersection of fashion and contemporary culture, as he acknowledged how the lines between these worlds continue to blur.
Musical performances infused energy into the evening, with R&B duo Chloe and Halle Bailey delighting attendees with a captivating show. Legendary Debbie Harry later performed, celebrating Gucci and Nan Goldin’s Special Recognition Award for the poignant ‘We Will Always Have London’ campaign. Goldin’s impassioned call to action during her acceptance speech reminded the audience of the powerful intersections between art, fashion, and activism.
Other notable recipients included Dame Margaret Barbour, honored for her philanthropic contributions as chairwoman of J. Barbour & Sons, alongside Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, the editor-in-chief of 10 Magazine, who has influenced fashion editorial vision for years.
The full list of winners, highlighted by the awards given at this year’s gala, illustrates a thriving landscape of talent and creativity. The Fashion Awards not only celebrate achievements in fashion but also inspire future generations of designers to challenge convention and craft narratives that are both personal and globally relevant.
The BFC’s Fashion Awards stand as a testament to the ever-evolving fashion industry, marking milestones for those who dare to redefine norms and for those who pave the way forward.
