Fashion

British Fashion Awards 2013

The British Fashion Awards celebrates the work of style icons, creative minds and designers that the country has to offer. Here are the winners of this year’s categories. Do you agree with the judges’ choices?

 

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Christopher Kane

Central Saint Martins graduate Christopher Kane is known for his challenging collections with exquisite detailing and layers of texture. He has had another great year with two brilliant shows at London Fashion Week and the announcement of his first store opening. Kane, who works on the label with sister Tammy, has stepped up a gear following his previous wins of British Collection of the Year and New Establishment. His award was presented by Donatella Versace who has compared Christopher to her brother Gianni. One thing’s certain: the next year is going to be a good one for Christopher Kane.

 

Menswear Designer of the Year and Designer Brand of the Year: Christopher Bailey for Burberry

Christopher has put London menswear back on the map by bringing the Burberry catwalk back to London after over 10 years of showing in Milan. He has won the same awards several times before and is more and more worthy of them each time. He is responsible for the international achievements of Burberry, including the star-studded campaigns and spectacular show displays.

 

International Designer of the Year: Miuccia Prada for Prada

Miuccia is a deserving winner of this award. Not many people know that Prada wouldn’t be producing ready-to-wear collections without her. She transformed her family’s brand into a global success while maintaining the traditional line of luxury suitcases and handbags. Miuccia designs influential pieces that inspire the work of other designers and will hopefully continue to do so for many more seasons. Long live Prada.

 

New Establishment Designer of the Year: J.W. Anderson

You will probably recognise J.W. from his Topshop collaboration. But he and his brand are so much more than that. He started, in a different way to most, by designing menswear in 2008 and branching into womenswear in 2010. This explains his love for blurring the lines between masculine and feminine. Don’t use the word ‘androgynous’ – that’s not what he’s about. “A shared wardrobe” is how he describes his work. It’s much more poetic.

 

Accessory Designer of the Year: Nicholas Kirkwood

It’s third time lucky for Nicholas as he can add the 2013 title to his other two. Since the launch of his shoe line in 2005, he has continued to design architectural pieces that push the boundaries of modern footwear. He has had a busy year with a flagship store opening in Vegas, the introduction of a pre-collection and menswear range and the release of his first ever flats. Women everywhere can thank him for giving us an equally innovative alternative to heels.

 

Emerging Womenswear Designer: Simone Rocha

Emerging Menswear Designer: Agi & Sam

Emerging Accessory Designer: Sophia Webster

These three are ones to watch. If you don’t know them, get to know them. You’ll be seeing their names and designs everywhere in the next year.

 

Red Carpet Award: Erdem

Erdem Moralioglu is renowned for his use of colour and florals. There hasn’t been a red carpet do where some fashion royalty (or actual royalty if you’re Kate Middleton) isn’t wearing one of his feminine designs. Gwyneth Paltrow and Keira Knightley are avid fans.

 

Model of the Year: Edie Campbell

People often wonder how hard it really is to be a model. But it takes a certain skill to show off the best side of clothes and accessories while displaying the emotion that you’ve been asked to portray. Models are not one-dimensional anymore. They are spokespeople for major brands and role models for the global youth. Edie Campbell has excelled in this field. She beat cheeky Cara Delevingne and new face Sam Rollinson for the award. Edie has stepped it up this year. She has been the face of Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen. Don’t forget her first British Vogue cover. Oh, and she was all over the SS14 catwalks, opening for prestigious labels including Burberry and Louis Vuitton. All hail Edie.

 

British Style Award: Harry Styles

The winner of this award was voted for by the public which makes Harry an obvious choice. When people think of British style, they usually think of women like Alexa Chung who has won the accolade for the past three years. But we mustn’t forget about the men. And Harry does have a certain effortless style which regularly tops best dressed lists and sums up the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of London.

 

Outstanding Achievement in Fashion: Terry and Tricia Jones

Terry and Tricia founded i-D Magazine in 1980 and are still going 33 years later. The couple loved publishing the street style that walked around London and continue to seek out the fresh blood that crave innovation and excitement. A wink and a smile, showcasing young talent, launching careers. These are just a few of the things that paint a picture of the values and attitude of i-D. Originate – don’t imitate is their motto and is one that the entire fashion industry should learn and live by.

 

Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Amanda Harlech

This award is given to a person who has inspired and influenced the fashion industry. Many people don’t know the winner’s name but they will definitely recognise her work. Amanda Harlech has worked alongside creative geniuses like Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano to help create some of the most visually stunning couture and ready-to-wear collections.

 

Special Recognition Awards: Suzy Menkes and Kate Moss

These awards are given to individuals who have directed the path of the fashion industry over the past 25 years. Suzy Menkes is a no-nonsense fashion editor who refuses to be bought by designers. She can always be relied on for an honest critique of collections and embodies the true qualities of a good journalist. Kate Moss needs no introduction. Scouted at 14, ‘anti-supermodel’ of the 90’s, still a supermodel now. It seems that Moss will never stop modelling. And we never want her to.

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