What Happened At The Fashion Awards 2022

Since 1989, The Fashion Awards has been granting designers, models, stylists and photographers with accolades celebrating their contributions to the fashion industry. Not only is it an event worthy of donning a ballgown for, it also serves as a fundraiser for the BFC Foundation; a charity helping support the growth of British emerging talent through educational processes. 

But what happened behind the closed doors of the award show’s venue, The Royal Albert Hall? For those who missed it, we’ve rounded up this year’s most memorable moments below.

Jodie Turner-Smith was the host

The Queen & Slim actress was the resident MC for the evening, dazzling the crowd with a selection of bold outfits. The British actress stepped onto the red carpet wearing a custom Gucci gown – potentially one of Alessandro Michele’s last creations for the Italian house – before changing into a rotation of London-based designers. Richard Quinn, Robert Wun and 16Arlington were the three brand’s Jodie chose to champion at the awards – all different in creative vision but beautiful all the same. 

S.S. Daley won the BFC Foundation Award

Steven Stokey-Daley has had a year to remember, having won the 2022 LVMH Prize back in June for his eponymous label. Now, he can add the British Fashion Council’s Foundation Award for emerging talent onto his roster, showing the continued support of the BFC after inviting him to be a part of their NEWGEN scheme last year.

Wales Bonner won Independent British Brand Award

After eight years in business and with a selection of awards under her belt, Grace Wales Bonner won the Independent British Brand Award last night. CEO of The British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, described the British designer to Vogue Business as having “an exceptional talent for storytelling and craftsmanship, making her one of the most recognisable female designers working across both menswear and womenswear.”

Burberry won the Metaverse World and Gaming Experience Award

Creativity doesn’t just extend to ready-to-wear and accessories in fashion, the recent rise of digital shows that it can extend into the virtual realm. This year, the British Fashion Council awarded Burberry for its daring experimentation with it, honouring the British heritage brand with the Metaverse World and Gaming Experience Award. 

There was a tribute to the Queen

As well as a month of SS23 shows, September saw the monumental passing of Queen Elizabeth – which incidentally caused chaos for LFW, which fell in the midst of the 12 day mourning period. To celebrate the HRH’s contribution to the arts, the BFC presented The Fashion Salute Show which included British brands Alexander McQueen, Burberry, and Christopher Kane showcasing pieces inspired by royalty. This was accompanied by a tribute from Naomi Campbell as well as imagery of the late monarch shown on screen.