British Fashion Awards 2011

Tonight London was home to the fashion event of the year! The British Fashion Awards recognise the most influential people in fashion and celebrate the creativity and success of British designers.

Kate Moss and Stella MacCartney
source: vogue.co.uk

All the fashion crowd gathered for the second year running at the lavish Savoy Theatre, wearing well thought out clothes, posing to the awaiting photographers and answering questions from reporters.

Tali Lennox wearing Mulberry photographed by Telegraph Fashion

Different celebrities were also invited, adding to the glamour and excitement of the whole evening. I've compiled a list of the awards, nominees and winners of this amazing ceremony hosted by George Lamb and Lauren Laverne.

Sarah Burton giving her acceptance speech

Designer of the Year

• Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

The British Fashion Council ambassador, Samantha Cameron, presented the ultimate accolade recognising Sarah Burton as an internationally acclaimed, leading British designer who has directed the shape of fashion in the past year.

Sarah Burton was not only able to maintain the high status of the brand after McQueen's death, undoubtedly an achievement in itself, but also moved the label into a new direction with her own style signature.

"I Want every piece to feel very special and very beautiful, but not in an overworked way. I want to get the balance of the lightness and the workmanship." Sarah Burton

This year, she put McQueen on a world stage by designing the exquisite wedding dress of the Duchess of Cambridge and the 'Savage Beauty' retrospective exhibition in New York was a record-breaking success.

(Other nominees: Christopher Kane and Erdem)

Hayley Atwell
(Photographed at the event by net-a-porter.com)

Outstanding Achievement Award

Sir Paul Smith

After a video in celebration of his career, British actress Hayley Atwell presented this special award to Sir Paul Smith to honour his achievement as a designer whose work has had an exceptional impact on global fashion.


 

Christopher Kane
(Photographed at the event by net-a-porter.com)

New Establishment Award

• Christopher Kane

Newly established this year, this award recognised Christopher Kane as sophisticated and exciting, he has surpassed being an emerging designer and is growing into a dynamic business with a global reach and a sustained impact on the way modern women dress.

His friend Alexa Chung gave him the award wearing one of his dresses.

(Other nominees: Erdem and Jonathan Saunders)

Alexa Chung being interviewed upon her arrival

British Style Award

• Alexa Chung

For the second year running, Alexa Chung was voted by the public as the individual who most embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for the city as a leading creative fashion capital.

She dedicated her award to "girls who dress like awkward boys."

(Other nominees: Adele, Daisy Lowe, Daphne Guinness, Edie Campbell, Emma Watson, Florence Welch, Jaquetta Wheeler, Lara Stone, Laura Bailey, Lulu Kennedy, Poppy Delevingne, Samantha Cameron, Stella MacCartney, Tilda Swinton, Victoria Beckham and Vivienne Westwood.)

Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss
source: vogue.co.uk

Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator

• Sam Gainsbury

This prestigious award was presented by his friend Kate Moss. Gainsbury has been a major inspiration and influence in the past year, he was the creator of the McQueen blockbuster exhibition in New York. He thanked Alexander McQueen.

(Other nominees: Guido Palau and Katie Grand)

Kate Hudson presenting the Red Carpet Award

Red Carpet Award

• Stella McCartney

Wearing a stunning Stella MacCartney dress, Kate Hudson puts on her glasses to read her witty prepared speech, saying how the designer made her first red carpet dress which got her on every worst dressed list at the Academy Awards but has been best dressed ever since.

Stella MacCartney is definitely creating global awareness of her designs in the media, her polka dress was one of the most photographed of the year, from red carpet events to fashion editorials and features.

(Other nominees: Antonio Berardi and Victoria Beckham)

Victoria Beckham backstage after winning her award
(Photographed by net-a-porter.com)

Designer Brand

• Victoria Beckham

She was almost in tears when she received the award from Marc Jacobs, giving an emotional speech, touching everyone's heart. Her status within the British fashion industry is finally cemented.

(Other nominees: Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and Burberry)


Menswear Designer

• Kim Jones

(Other nominees: Margaret Howell and Oliver Spencer)


Accessory Designer

• Charlotte Olympia

(Other nominees: Emma Hill for Mulberry and Katie Hillier)

Georgia Jagger
(Photographed at the event by net-a-porter.com)

Model of the Year

• Stella Tennant

(Other nominees: Kristen McMenamy and Georgia Jagger)


Emerging Talent Award - Menswear

• Christopher Raeburn

(Other nominees: J.W. Anderson and James Long)

Olivia Palermo presented the emerging talent award in Mathew Williamson
(Photographed at the event by net-a-porter.com)

Emerging Talent Award - Ready to Wear

• Mary Katrantzou

(Other nominees: J.W. Anderson and Peter Piloto)

Holly Fulton (2009 winner) and Nazir Mazhar 
BFA Champagne reception

Emerging Talent Award - Accessories

• Tabitha Simmons

(Other nominees: Jordan Askill and Nazir Mazhar)

Tabitha Simmons shoes