The Fashion Awards
The 'Fashion Awards, known as the British Fashion Awards' until 2016, is an annual ceremony established in the United Kingdom in 1989 to showcase both British and international individuals and businesses who have made the most outstanding contributions to the fashion industry during the year. The ceremony is organized by the British Fashion Council, and is the primary fundraiser for the BFC's Education Foundation; a charity that promotes excellence in design by financially supporting students with the ability and potential to make an exceptional contribution to the fashion industry.
History
Originally named the British Fashion Awards, the first Fashion Awards ceremony took place on 17 October 1989 and was attended by Princess Diana, who wore a Catherine Walker gown especially for the occasion.
In 2010 four-time winner of British Designer of the Year award, Alexander McQueen received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design in recognition of his illustrious career.
In 2007 the Fashion Creator Award is renamed Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator in honour of Isabella Blow, who died on 7 May 2007. Blow was renowned for her unerring support of British designers and for her contribution to the international fashion industry as a whole.
Award categories
Designer of the Year
Recognises an international designer whose innovative collections have made a notable impact on the industry.
Business Leader
This award will not acknowledge any CEO or president of a fashion company who has guided both its creative direction and commercial performance over the past year.
Urban Luxe Award
Celebrating the innovation and influence of a contemporary apparel brand.
British Emerging Talent - Womenswear
Recognising new British womenswear talent, this award celebrates a British-based womenswear or accessories designer who over the last 12 months has had a major creative impact on global fashion.
British Emerging Talent - Menswear
Honoring rising talent in British menswear, this award highlights the innovation and creative impact of a UK-based menswear or accessories designer, whose collections have attracted global recognition this year.
British Designer of the Year - Womenswear
Celebrating a British womenswear designer that has been instrumental in innovating and leading women's fashion over the last year.
British Designer of the Year - Menswear
Recognises a leading British menswear designer.
Model of the Year
Recognises the global impact of a model, male or female, who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry.
Outstanding achievement
The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates the creative contribution of an individual to the fashion industry.
Swarovski">Swarovski Kristallwelten">Swarovski Award for Positive Change
The Swarovski Award for Positive Change recognises and celebrates brands or individuals who promote the welfare of others and generously use their resources to benefit good causes.
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator
Recognising innovators and creatives in fashion.
2020s Special Categories
In 2020, the British Fashion Awards were broken down into only four categories - Community, Creativity, Environment and People. Five people won each award. In 2021, normal categories resumed, with the addition of awards for fifteen "Leaders of Change" in the fashion industry. In 2022, the "Leaders of Change" award remained, but the normal categories were replaced with Model of the Year, Designer of the Year, Independent British Brand, and BFC Foundation Award.
Awards Winners
2018
2010
2002
No awards given
1998
No awards given