On November 25, for a second year
running, we returned to the vaulted, Art Deco RHS Lawrence Hall for the
British Fashion Awards. Transformed into a glittering, gilt ballroom,
the setting was a fitting backdrop to the fashion industry's ultimate
night of celebration. With the continued support of Swarovski,
the event delivered a stellar night of performance and ceremony, which
was attended by 500+ celebrities, fashion talent and industry insiders
from across the globe. Names on the guestlist roll-call included
Claudia Schiffer, Christian Slater and Sophie Ellis Bextor, to name
a few.
Following an exclusive champagne
reception and dinner, fashion's cognoscenti toasted the recipients of
the ultimate accolades of the British fashion industry. Among the
winners were Stephen Jones, who was presented with the BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design; Luella Bartley,
our Designer of the Year 2008; and Savile Row tailor Richard James, who
was unveiled as the inaugural winner of new category, Bespoke.
The British Fashion Awards recognise designers at every level, from
newcomers to the more established as well as creatives and models. This
year saw the introduction of two new Emerging Talent Awards, supported by Swarovski, which were collected by Louise Goldin (ready-to-wear) and Nicholas Kirkwood (accessories).
Commenting on this year’s British Fashion Awards nominees shortlist and the annual Awards, Hilary Riva, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, said:
'The Awards celebrate the
extraordinary talent within the British fashion industry, as
highlighted in this year's nominees shortlist. I would like to thank
Swarovski for their support of the British Fashion Awards 2008 and for
their sponsorship of the 'Emerging Talent Awards', which will help to
support two of our newer talents as they establish their careers and
businesses.'
Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications for our supporter Swarovski said:
'Swarovski is honoured to support the British Fashion Awards for
the third consecutive year. This prestigious annual ceremony creates a
platform that supports, recognises and celebrates the ongoing
creativity and talent in the industry. This year, we are introducing
two new awards, The Emerging Talent Award for Ready to Wear and The
Emerging Talent Award for Accessories. We hope that this recognition
and the financial support will enable up-and-coming designers to grow,
while allowing their creativity to flourish.'