British Fashion Awards 2022

Another day, another star-spangled awards event to keep us fed. Last night, we were treated to the British Fashion Awards – a celebration crafted up by the British Fashion Council to uphold the UK’s shining fashion talent. As per usual, the fashion industry’s biggest players were in attendance – which can only mean one thing: everyone brought the heat. Some of our fave models, from the likes of Alexa Chung to Paloma Elsesser, turned it out on the red carpet. Not to mention, some of the industry’s most coveted awards were up for grabs. We’ve rounded up our highlights of the evening, so you can be in the know too.

Head below to see our BFA standout moments…

The BFAs is revered for highlighting British designing talent – often putting independent designers on the map. This time around, the winner of the coveted ‘Independent British Brand’ was snapped up by Wales Bonner. Headed by Grace Wales Bonner, the eponymous brand has been slurping up critical praise for its melding of art, music, and literature – to dream up an entirely unparalleled, innovative brand amidst the monotony of the menswear world. Presented by actress Yasmin Finney, and Afrobeats giant Burna Boy – Wales Bonner is the kind of brand we want to see more of. Conceptually rich, and distinctly British – no one’s doing it like Grace Wales Bonner.

Perhaps the most coveted of all of the BFA trophies is, ‘Designer of the Year’. While a slew of talent-filled designers were up for the prize, Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli took the crown. Presented by actress Florence Pugh, who donned a vampy Valentino dress – the night belonged to Piccioli. Whether you’re buzzing about the outcome, or giving it the side-eye – there’s no denying that Valentino held it down last night. In addition to Miss Pugh, the likes of Naomi Campbell, Kristen McMenamy, and Dixie D’Amelio came to represent. Que sera, sera!

The last of the prizes we’re divulging the details of is the ‘Creativity’ award. Crafted up to recognise designers and brands who’ve made a global impact over the last year – their trailblazing efforts in design, collaborations, and business have set a forward-thinking precedent for the fashion industry. Presented by Sam Smith, this accolade was awarded to several creatives, including designers Alessandro Michele and Raf Simons. Both recently deciding to hang up their hats at their respective brands, they’ve no doubt made some serious waves in the industry; bravo! Also awarded the prize for creativity were designer Harris Reed and creative director Ibrahim Kamara. Both shining talents in their respective fields – Kamara has especially been a fire starter – blazing his way through shoot after shoot, headed by his spellbindingly creative prowess.

‘Model of the Year’ nominee, Paloma Elsesser, just oozes otherworldliness – and this Dilara Findikoglu look is giving us life. Dilara Findikoglu’s ascent into the cultural consciousness has been swift – revered for her enticingly ethereal, gothic, and romantic sensibilities. This look consists of a sheer long sleeve dress, with a cut out at the chest – tied together with a frog neck clasp. Cinched in by a Findikoglu favourite – a corset – embellishments of stringy, strappy, lacey fabric all in all make Elsesser look like a vision.

The OG ‘it girl’, Alexa Chung, has been hitting it out of the park this week. Just yesterday we covered the gorgeous gown she wore at the British Vogue Forces for Change dinner, and this Prada look is fanning the flames even more. In a sheer, chiffon nightgown, Chung pairs the look with a simple LBD underneath. Sporting a long black blazer over top, and some sweet little Mary Janes on her feet – Chung looked every bit an Edwardian dream.

Heralded as one of the British Fashion Council’s ‘New Wave Creatives’ for 2022, Aoife Akue’s styling and creative direction talents have been lent to the likes of Nike and the experimental entity Eartheater. Donning a Jawara Alleyne look on the red carpet, the young creative looked impossibly cool. Known for re-working and repurposing second-hand fabrics, Alleyne has a knack for spinning the old into the new – dreaming up punk-inspired, and delightfully drapey pieces. This look is punk meets pirate – with a skull cut-out jumper layered over a striped, and a black dress. Aye aye Alleyne!

Last but not at all least is the model Kristen McMenamy, who came to represent Valentino in this feat of feathery, fluffy gorgeousness. In a signature Valentino pink – vivid and vibrant – McMenamy looked quite simply, not of this world. In a huge, feathery cape – McMenamy opted for a monochrome look – matching her bottoms, colossal platform heels, and even glam to the look. The model ties in the feathers with fluttering pink eyelashes, and peachy streaks in her bleach-blonde hair. There’s no way around the fact that McMenamy went for it – and she did the damn thing!

Suki Waterhouse and her juul attending The Fashion Awards 2022 at Royal Albert Hall tonight in London. pic.twitter.com/nyGDU2VAIQ

— suki waterhouse archive (@bestsukiw) December 5, 2022