Kate Hawley honoured for 'Frankenstein' at Fashion Awards 2025
Kate Hawley has been named Costume Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards 2025, an accolade presented by the British Fashion Council during its annual ceremony held in London. The award, one of the evening's most anticipated honours, recognises Hawley's extraordinary work on Frankenstein, a production that has drawn widespread attention from both the fashion and film industries for its intricate and imaginative design. The accolade marks a significant milestone in Hawley's career, highlighting her unique ability to blend historical research, theatricality, and symbolic storytelling in costume design.
The announcement was met with enthusiastic support across social media. Commentary accounts celebrated her recognition, with one posting that they were "so glad she is getting her flowers," while filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who collaborated with Hawley on Frankenstein, praised her efforts, writing on X, "The best – the very best!" Such responses underscore the respect and admiration Hawley commands among her peers and industry insiders, acknowledging her talent in translating narrative and character into visual storytelling through clothing.
Hawley approached the costume design for Frankenstein as a careful balance between period authenticity and symbolic expression. In her preparation, she conducted extensive research into mid-19th-century styles to inform the clothing of both human and monstrous characters. However, under del Toro's guidance, she deliberately avoided a strictly historical aesthetic, instead creating costumes that bridged the past and the present. This approach allowed her to craft a visual language that was both rooted in the Victorian era and yet resonant with contemporary sensibilities.
Victor Frankenstein's wardrobe is a prime example of this creative vision. While maintaining historical references, Hawley incorporated modern touches, such as rock'n'roll plaid trousers paired with red gloves, giving the character a modern, almost punk-inspired edge. These choices allowed audiences to connect with the character emotionally and psychologically while maintaining the gothic fantasy world of the film. The blend of old and new, historical and symbolic, became a hallmark of her work and contributed to the film's distinct visual identity.
Elizabeth, another central character, was realised through costumes that reflected her inner life and emotional journey. Hawley drew heavily on natural motifs and metaphorical symbolism, particularly in the use of knitted moth shawls and bonnets. She explained in a film-official post that the shawls incorporated "fractal patterns inspired by the language of Moth wings," a technique that intertwined themes of nature, transformation, and metamorphosis into the character's wardrobe. Through these designs, Hawley conveyed subtle narrative elements visually, allowing costume to serve as a storytelling medium rather than merely a decorative component.
The Fashion Awards 2025, presented by Pandora, celebrated fifteen categories recognising designers, creators, and cultural contributors across the fashion and entertainment industries. The British Fashion Council described the ceremony as a major fundraiser supporting its Foundation, which provides scholarships, mentorships, and initiatives for emerging talent. By highlighting both established and rising figures, the awards emphasise the interconnectedness of creativity across disciplines and the importance of nurturing future generations.
The ceremony was hosted by Colman Domingo and featured appearances from leading figures in fashion, film, and music. Alongside Hawley's recognition, other notable honourees included Jonathan Anderson, Sarah Burton, Grace Wales Bonner, Anok Yai, and Little Simz, among others. Each award highlighted the diverse contributions shaping the contemporary cultural landscape, from innovation in fashion design to creative storytelling across mediums.
Hawley's win not only underscores her exceptional skill but also reflects a growing recognition of costume design as a critical element of cinematic storytelling. In Frankenstein, her work enhanced character development, narrative depth, and the overall visual aesthetic of the production. Her attention to detail, innovative blending of historical and modern influences, and use of metaphorical design elements exemplify how costume design can elevate both performance and audience experience.
In an industry often dominated by star performers, Hawley's award serves as a reminder of the vital role that designers, artisans, and behind-the-scenes creatives play in shaping the cultural impact of film and fashion. By combining research, imagination, and technical mastery, she has set a benchmark for contemporary costume design, and her recognition at the Fashion Awards 2025 cements her status as one of the most influential voices in her field today.