On Monday evening, the British Fashion Council (BFC) kicked off the 2024 Fashion Awards by lowering a red disco ball at the Royal Albert Hall. The glamorous event saw a host of famous guests, including Rita Ora, Halle Bailey, Rihanna, and A$AP Rocky, gather to celebrate the biggest names in fashion.
Among the key winners of the evening were those recognized for their contributions in various fashion categories, including Model of the Year, British Menswear Designer of the Year, British Womenswear Designer of the Year, Designer of the Year, and the BFC Foundation Award.
The BFC Foundation Award, which honors designers supported by the Foundation’s core initiatives, was presented to Chopova Lowena, who triumphed over nominees like Aaron Esh, Bianca Saunders, Labrum London, and Tolu Coker. A performance by Chloe x Halle added to the event’s excitement.
The New Establishment Menswear Award was given to Priya Ahluwalia of Ahluwalia, who won against Aaron Esh, Foday Dumbuya (Labrum London), Nicholas Daley, and Stefan Cooke. In the New Establishment Womenswear category, Marco Capaldo of 16Arlington took home the award, beating out Dilara Findikoglu, Jawara Alleyne, Laura and Deanna Fanning (Kiko Kostadinov), and Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena (Chopova Lowena).
Grace Wales Bonner claimed the British Menswear Designer of the Year award for Wales Bonner, competing against top names like Craig Green, Jonathan Anderson, Kiko Kostadinov, Kim Jones, and Martine Rose. Meanwhile, Simone Rocha won British Womenswear Designer of the Year, besting Erdem Moralıoğlu, Jonathan Anderson, Maximilian Davis, and Roksanda Ilinčić.
“I’m very proud of the work I’ve produced,” Rocha said in her acceptance speech. “My collections fuel my emotions. With this award, I’d like to honour all the women and children who are displaced.”
British Accessories Brand was awarded to Stephen Jones, who edged out Anna Jewsbury, Helen Kirkum, Jack Cannon and Joe Gelb, and Rosh Mahtani.
In a historic win, Alex Consani became the first transwoman to receive Model of the Year, a category that also included Alva Claire, Amelia Gray, Anok Yai, Liu Wen, and Mona Tougaard. “I can’t accept this award without thanking those who came before me,” Consani said, acknowledging the Black trans women who fought for space in the industry.
The prestigious Designer of the Year award went to Jonathan Anderson, who has been a standout figure in fashion. He was up against high-profile designers like Chemena Kamali, John Galliano, Miuccia Prada, Pieter Mulier, and Rick Owens. “I love fashion. It makes me get out of bed every morning,” Anderson said in his acceptance.
Before the event, several awards were announced. Tom Ford received the Outstanding Achievement Award. Ford, who made a significant impact as Gucci’s creative director and later founded his own brand, sold his namesake company to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion in 2022, pushing his net worth beyond $2 billion.
A$AP Rocky won the 2024 Cultural Innovator Award for his influence on both fashion and popular culture, especially with his recent work during Paris Fashion Week and his contributions to Moncler’s Shanghai showcase. “Rocky has had a resounding impact on the creative industries,” said Caroline Rush, BFC’s CEO.
The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator went to American photographer Tyler Mitchell, celebrated for his iconic 2018 Vogue cover shoot with Beyoncé. Mitchell, 29, has exhibited his work in major museums and continues to influence the fashion industry through his storytelling.
Remo Ruffini, CEO of Moncler, received the Trailblazer Award for his innovative leadership and the success of Moncler Genius, which brought together major collaborations with A$AP Rocky, Willow Smith, and Rick Owens. “Creativity lives where dreams meet energy,” Ruffini said.
Gucci received a Special Recognition Award for its Cruise 2025 “We Will Always Have London” campaign, while Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou and Margaret Barbour also earned recognition for their contributions to British fashion. Neophitou-Apostolou was acknowledged for her work with 10 Magazine and collaborations with top brands, while Barbour was honored for her leadership at J Barbour & Sons.
Finally, Issa Rae was awarded the Pandora Leader of Change Award, presented to her by her *Insecure* co-star, Yvonne Orji, for her work as an actress, writer, and producer.
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