The very best of British Fashion gathered at the London Coliseum which played host to the annual British Fashion Awards last night, which welcomed a guest list packed with the capital's most prominent designers, models, celebrities and editors.
Karlie Kloss the 23-year-old supermodel sizzled as she sashayed into the star-studded event in a semi-sheer metallic dress. Opting for glamorous yet cheekily risque look, Karlie showcased her incredible figure as well as her assets in the partially see-through fringed gown. Channelling a classic glamour while retaining a hint of saucy modern style, the blonde beauty oozed effortless style and elegance in the svelte silver number which clung to her frame. The leggy catwalk strutter wowed in a past collection piece from Chanel which oozed timeless chic thanks to its retro, 1920s inspired aesthetic. The metallic column ankle-grazing dress is from the French fashion house’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection which featured 3D stand out embroidery and an understated paisley print. The gown's metallic detail and fringing also appeared to highlight her toned frame even further, while its sleeveless nature and dipping neckline flashed a hint of Karlie's alabaster skin. Teaming her frock with a pair of needle-point black stiletto heels, the American stunner drew attention to her lithe legs which she flashed occasionally thanks to the dress' thigh-high side slash. Obviously not wishing to distract from her glittering dress, Karlie kept her accessories to a minimum with a statement diamond bracelet, ear studs and a glittering Chanel clutch. Wearing her golden tresses in a centre-parting, she let the perfectly tousled and wavy locks flow down around her shoulders. Keeping to a pale palette of make-up, Karlie subtly highlighted her eyes with some eye shadow before adding a flash of vampish colour to her plump lips with a deep scarlet lipstick.
Lady Gaga was described as a scarlet siren, as she sashayed down the red carpet wearing a bespoke Tom Ford gown. She embraced a very sultry style, but she stayed true to form by ensuring she stood out from the crowd thanks to red net detailing on the bodice and matching fingerless gloves. The glamorous gown was set off with a pair of red satin peep-toe heels and a smart burgundy clutch bag. Gaga completed her look with a pair of dazzling drop earrings and matching stick-on jewels on her eyelids. Gaga looked incredible in a form-fitting, sequin embellished gown with a daring thigh-high split running up the right hand side. The Born This Way singer pulled her platinum locks in to an elegant bouffant, adding extra sparkle with winged diamante embellished eyelids. “I always say fashion for me is crucial for me existence,” she gushed to reporters on the red carpet. “So everyone that is here tonight is apart of my religion.”
Jourdan Dunn, who wore a stunning black and white Mugler cut out gown and Jimmy Choo heels, took home the award for Model of the Year. Looking typically chic for the occasion, Dunn donned a monochrome maxi dress by Mugler, teamed with silver barely there sandals and her shiny locks worn down with a sleek side parting. Understated, effortless, and achingly cool, this dress by Mugler was perfect for Jourdan, as she sheroozed class and sophistication. “MODEL OF THE YEAR!!!!!” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you British Fashion Council and everyone who has continued to support me feeling extremely blessed and grateful.” After being presented with her award from Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing, Dunn said in her acceptance speech: "You're going to make me cry. I won this in 2008, I was a hot mess, my speech was a hot mess. It was all a mess. So short and sweet this time. Thank you to the British Fashion Council, I don't know what to say. Thank you to my mum and my son Riley, who wanted me to stay in bed and watch TV with him. This is for him."
Another winner of the night included FKA twigs, who was named British Style/Fashion Innovator, and said in her speech: "I would like to dedicate this award to my mum because she used to make clothes that she wore and I wore.
Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld received the outstanding achievement award, while US designer Tom Ford was recognised for his red carpet looks. JW Anderson, the designer who blurs the line between men’s and womenswear, last night proved he is a master of both. At 2015’s British fashion awards – the industry’s most prestigious event – he was named both the menswear and womenswear designer of 2015. This is the first time any designer has won both categories in the same year.
With winter in full swing, temperatures in the capital are currently well below ten degrees Celsius, but we’re glad they all braved the cold to attend, as they each took on the biting temperatures in London on Monday evening as they turned up the heat in daring outfits at the 2015 British Fashion Awards in partnership with Swarovski.
The British Fashion Awards – founded in 1989 – are now an established date on the fashion calendar and the last few years have provided various talking points… and I’m sure it will continue to for many years to come…
Written by Li Thane-Kitson