Written by Katie Wilkinson | Thursday, November 27, 2008 | Comment on this article | + Share
British Fashion Awards ‘08 – in association with Swarovski
Set in the dramatic art deco styled RHS Lawrence Hall, London, this year’s British Fashion Awards was awash with gold glamour and dazzling Swarovski crystals, gathering this years fashion elite to celebrate the talents and achievements of the British fashion industry.
Compered by Mariella Frostup the awards were handed out to eleven deserving winners, with helping hand from Claudia Schiffer, Jefferson Hack, Lord Coe, Christian Slater, Rosin Murphy, Alex James and Erin O’Connor who guest presented.
The biggest newcomer of the night appeared to be Jourdan Dunn. Who pipped Agyness Deyn, the hot favourite, to the post of Model of the Year. After being discovered at just fifteen in a local Primark, Jourdan has since taken part in an impressive seventy five shows world wide as well as gracing the cover of Italian Vogue in this June’s black issue, and is still just eighteen.
Other big winners of the night were Louise Goldin an exciting new designer winning the Swarovski Emerging talent Award for her ready to wear collections, As well as Nicholas Kirkwood securing Swarovski’s sister award for accessories design.
Designers were then honoured with the award of ‘Designer Brand’ being deservedly taken by Jimmy Choo for it’s burgeoning power within the industry and its global success, As well as Matthew Williamson taking home Red Carpet Designer, given for his creation of glamorous evening wear looks and couture collections.
Christopher Bailey (for Burberry) then secured the award for menswear designer for his bespoke tailoring and ready to wear collections within the industry. This was followed by Richard James winning the first bespoke award for his significant contribution to an important sector of the industry.
The Accessory designer of the year, celebrating influence and growth as a designer went to Rupert Sanderson. With Tim Walker then taking home the Isabella Blow award for Fashion Creator, recognising Walkers roll as an image maker in inspiring and influencing the industry.
The penultimate award of the evening was that of the BFC award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design, this belonging to no other than Stephen Jones, recognising his on going contributions as an established designer.
But last by most certainly not least was the final award. The buzz surrounding Luella Bartley proved most deserving, helping her to take home the most prestigious of honour, Designer of the Year. This recognising her last two critically acclaimed collections. Sending the world literally mad for a little bit of Luella!
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