The hottest luxury and A List news
The hotly-anticipated 2019 Fashion Awards will take place tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.
While the fashion cognoscenti prepare their looks, others are wondering who will scoop the top prizes at the British Fashion Council (BFC)’s annual soiree.
Every year, the BFC asks key members of the fashion industry to vote for the individuals and brands worthy of its prestigious Fashion Awards accolades.
This year, 2500 panel members from around the world (myself included) were chosen to vote for who should make the shortlist at tonight’s ceremony.
The winners in each category will be revealed tonight, but in the meantime here’s a few confirmed (and rumoured) highlights.
Naomi Campbell
In June, the BFC revealed Naomi Campbell would be given the Fashion Icon Award. Undeniably an icon, and queen of the catwalk, Campbell, 49, has remained a tour de force at the forefront of Fashion for over 30 years.
The supermodel and philanthropist who has covered over 500 magazines (notably the first black model to appear on American, British and French Vogue, as well as Time Magazine) and who has been at the forefront of diversity activism in fashion for decades will be lauded and applauded by her peers.
Giorgio Armani
In September, during London Fashion Week, the BFC announced that Italian fashion maestro Giorgio Armani would be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement award.
For over four decades, the now billionaire designer, hotelier, restauranteur and philanthropist has positioned his Armani brand as a byword for luxury.
Currently, Mr Armani serves as the creative director of the Emporio and Giorgio Armani labels, as well as chairman and CEO of the Armani Group. Mr Armani’s charitable efforts include the Giorgio Armani Foundation and noted work with UNICEF and Green Cross.
Tracee Ellis Ross
On 31st of October, the effervescent Tracee Ellis Ross announced she would be hosting tonight’s ceremony on her Instagram account.
Daughter of the inimitable Diana Ross, the award-winning actress is best known for her role on the ABC comedy series Black-ish as Dr Rainbow Johnson, which won her a Golden Globe.
She is also known for her role as Joan Carol Clayton in the long-running hit series Girlfriends. No stranger to the hosting arena, Ross travels across the pond after recently hosting the American Music Awards, a ceremony she has hosted consecutively since 2017.
Rihanna
While there has been no confirmation that the Bajan sensation will make an appearance tonight, she is nominated for award.
Well, not her directly, but her newly launched label FENTY is in the running for the Urban Luxe category.
The now confirmed Londoner (who recently acquired a home in the square mile) together with LVMH, orbited FENTY in May. Rihanna is the first woman, first Caribbean woman and first woman of colour to do so, and FENTY is the first brand to be nominated for this honour this early in its life. It remains to be seen if she will show up and if FENTY will make a record and win in the Urban Luxe category.
Sam McKnight
On 11th November, announced that renowned hairstylist Sam McKnight would receive the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator.
McKnight’s career spans nearly 50 years in Fashion, and his work in countless catwalk shows, editorials and advertising campaigns is expansive.
Many of McKnight’s stunning work can be seen in his recently released book (likely the first of many): Hair by Sam McKnight. The award-winning session stylist has worked with some of the most famed and distinguished fashion brands, magazines and photographers and celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Emilia Clarke, Kate Moss and Princess Diana.
Sarah Burton OBE
On 27th of November the last of the big announcements was made – Sarah Burton OBE, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, will be given Trailblazer Award.
The Trailblazer Award was introduced in 2018 and is one of the Special Recognition Awards, celebrating one whose work in the past year has been a game-changer and has significantly shaped the industry.
Burton has been at Alexander McQueen for 22 years and has been at the creative helm of fashion house since Lee McQueen’s passing in 2010. From then until now, she has blazed a trail with outstanding designs and unforgettably arresting fashion. Burton’s recent work with the fabric mills of the North of England, Mallon linen and Irish beetling in her SS’20 collection is also credited.
Geoff K. Cooper (@GeoffKCooper) will be taking over the ES Insider Instagram account (@ESInsider) at tonight’s Fashion Awards – follow both accounts for all the best red carpet updates.
