The evening was a testament to fashion’s ability to challenge norms and reimagine possibilities in the realm of British and global fashion
The British Fashion Awards 2024, presented by Pandora, lit up London’s Royal Albert Hall with glitz, groundbreaking achievements, and powerful messages. Hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical, the evening honored creativity, innovation, and individuality in the fashion industry. From honoring iconic designers to elevating emerging talents, this year’s winners reflect the ever-evolving heartbeat of global fashion.
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Designer of the Year
Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson and Loewe
For the second year in a row, Jonathan Anderson claimed the Designer of the Year Award, cementing his reputation as one of fashion’s most ingenious visionaries. Anderson is renowned for his ability to conflate art and design, and his collaborations with JW Anderson and Loewe continue to push the bounds of inventiveness. He also serves as the Costume Designer of Luca Guadagnino’s Queer. Whether it’s surreal accessories or tailoring with unexpected twists, Anderson proves that innovation is a way of life.
Model of the Year
Alex Consani
History was made as Alex Consani became the first transgender woman to win the Model of the Year award. Her acceptance speech was inspiring:
“I can’t accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space I’m in today.”
– Alex Consani credits Black trans women for her win
A trailblazer for inclusivity, Consani’s win signals a transformative moment for fashion, where representation is celebrated rather than tokenized.
British Menswear Designer of the Year
Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner
Grace Wales Bonner’s eponymous label continues to redefine menswear with its poetic and intellectual approach to design. From impeccably tailored pieces to her exploration of Black identity and heritage, Bonner’s work represents a masterclass in narrative-driven fashion.
British Womenswear Designer of the Year
Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha brought emotional depth and craftsmanship to the forefront this year, earning her the British Womenswear Designer of the Year award. The Irish designer used her moment on stage to voice a poignant message on Palestine, a powerful reminder that fashion doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
New Establishment Womenswear Designer
Marco Capaldo for 16Arlington
16Arlington’s Marco Capaldo brought glamour and edge to the new establishment womenswear category. With designs that merge party-ready aesthetics with enduring sophistication, Capaldo answered why his brand continues to captivate the fashion sphere.
New Establishment Menswear Designer
Priya Ahluwalia for Priya Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia’s daring combination of modern style, culture, and sustainability elevates menswear. Her own label, which integrates colorful designs with silhouettes influenced by tradition to speak to a worldwide audience, is a monument to the power of communicating stories via fashion.
British Accessories Designer
Stephen Jones for Stephen Jones Millinery
Stephen Jones has been synonymous with show-stopping millinery for decades, and this year’s win highlights his influence. From avant-garde hats to playful headpieces, Jones’s creations continue to crown some of the most memorable looks in fashion history.
Special Awards
The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator went to Tyler Mitchell, whose inclusive and powerful imagery has transformed fashion narratives, making him the first Black photographer to shoot an American Vogue cover.
Issa Rae was honored with the Pandora Leader of Change Award, presented by former Insecure co-star, Yvonne Orji, for her groundbreaking work in representation and storytelling across multiple platforms.
Remo Ruffini, Chairman and Creative Director of Moncler S.p.A, received the Trailblazer Award, presented by Maria Sharapova, recognizing his vision of redefining outerwear and luxury fashion.
A$AP Rocky was celebrated with the BFC Cultural Innovator Award, presented by Michèle Lamy, for his ability to push boundaries in fashion and his unique talent for brand vision.
The Special Recognition Award, presented by Chioma Nnadi, honored Creative Director of Gucci Sabato De Sarno (represented by Blondie), photographer and activist Nan Goldin, and musician Kelsey Lu. This year, the award recognized their contributions to Gucci’s “We Will Always Have London” campaign, which celebrates British excellence and innovation.
Tom Ford, celebrated for his glamorous reinvention of fashion and film, earned the Outstanding Achievement Award, cementing his legacy from revitalizing Gucci to establishing his namesake empire.
The BFC Foundation Award honored Chopova Lowena for their punk-infused designs and commitment to sustainability, exemplifying innovative fashion.
The British Fashion Awards highlighted how clothes can promote individuality and spark cultural dialogues. The winners this year demonstrated that challenging limits is at the core of innovation and not merely a fad.
Photos: BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL (via Instagram)
