Style, stardom and reinvention collide

London's Royal Albert Hall delivered a night of unabashed glamour as The Fashion Awards 2025 returned with a star-packed ceremony that celebrated excellence, heritage and reinvention across the global style industry, marking Laura Weir's first year as British Fashion Council chief.

Cate Blanchett, Sienna Miller and Lily Allen dominated the red carpet, each bringing a distinct sensibility to a ceremony that has grown into one of fashion's most influential stages since its founding in 1989. Their presence set the tone for an evening shaped by artistry rather than spectacle.

Blanchett opted for minimalist elegance, while Miller debuted her baby bump in a sheer Givenchy gown, reinforcing her reputation for understated fashion influence. Allen chose a vintage silk dress that quickly drew attention for its delicate construction and effortless performance on one of fashion's biggest nights.

Hosted by Colman Domingo, the ceremony honoured Jonathan Anderson with Designer of the Year for his work at Dior and JW Anderson, marking his third consecutive win. Anderson called the Dior role a massive creative challenge and credited collaboration as central to his success this year.

Givenchy's Sarah Burton secured British Womenswear Designer of the Year, while Grace Wales Bonner claimed the menswear honour, reinforcing the growing influence of London-based talent on global design narratives. Each winner reflected a different facet of the industry's aesthetic evolution.

Turkish designer Dilara Findikoglu won the Vanguard Award, recognised for a rising profile built on subversive craftsmanship. Her work also framed one of the evening's most emotional moments when US-Sudanese model Anok Yai accepted Model of the Year in a custom cream gown she described as raw and romantic.

Yai, fighting back tears, addressed young Black girls watching, saying their colour was never a curse and urging them to recognise their inherent strength. Her speech cut through the evening's glamour with a reminder of fashion's often-overlooked power dynamics.

The night also spotlighted industry contributors with Rei Kawakubo, Adrian Joffe and Dickon Bowden winning the Isabella Blow Award, while Brunello Cucinelli received the Outstanding Achievement Award for shaping luxury through craftsmanship and cultural stewardship at his Umbrian base.

Away from the main stage, the event continued resonating across London as Princess Diana's nieces, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer, generated their own sparkle in coordinated Gaurav Gupta couture, reinforcing the awards' unique blend of heritage, celebrity and emerging design energy.