“I’m here today to report an unprecedented heatwave across the continent… of hot British talent,” said British actor Celia Imrie in a video broadcast to open the Fashion Awards at London’s Albert Hall on Monday night. Indeed, the ceremony was a battle cry for the British designers, creatives and founders who have impacted the global fashion industry, from Jonathan Anderson (Designer of the Year) to Sarah Burton (Womenswear Designer of the Year) and Grace Wales Bonner (Menswear Designer of the Year).
There was no heatwave outside, however. Guests arriving at the (newly) blue carpet at the 2025 Fashion Awards were met with a typical cold drizzle. Crowds thronged to get a glimpse of star guests, including Cate Blanchett in Givenchy, FKA Twigs in Dilara Findikoglu, Lily Allen in Valentino and Gwendoline Christie in an enormous blonde wig.
Awards carpets have become a vehicle for teasers and announcements. On Monday night, Amelia Gray, Anitta, Emily Ratajkowski and Alton Mason stepped out in a new collaboration between H&M and Stella McCartney, which will be released in Spring 2026. Ellie Goulding also announced her pregnancy in a black tailored look from Willy Chavarria.
The show began with a video narrated by Imrie, before showing a montage of runway shows from British designers including Phoebe Philo, Simone Rocha and Harris Reed, plus some of the top British talent at global luxury brands, including Grace Wales Bonner and Sarah Burton. Imrie then walked onto the stage in a red velvet look from Savile Row tailor Gieves and Hawkes and welcomed Bafta and Oscar-nominated actor, playwright and director Colman Domingo, the host of the evening. “British fashion has always been at the forefront of global culture, and tonight we are here to celebrate this impact,” said Domingo in his opening speech.
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