GRAZIA
From a chrome dinosaur spine to a gown inspired by spaghetti – it can only be the Fashion Awards! Here’s the insider’s guide
A LITTLE RAIN (OK, a lot of rain) did little to dampen the spirits of the British fashion industry, who turned out in force for the annual star-studded Fashion Awards, held on the first Monday night in December at the Royal Albert Hall. Among the high-wattage names braving the elements on the waterlogged red carpet were Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway, both resplendent in vintage Valentino, present to witness a tribute to 91-year-old Valentino Garavani in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry.
Alexander McQueen’s outgoing creative director Sarah Burton was also honoured, with a Special Recognition award for her legacy at the brand, with a tenure that has spanned almost three decades. Remembering the house’s founder in her speech, she said, ‘Lee always said, you have to know the rules to break them.’ Sam Smith, too, quoted McQueen – ‘Lee once said fashion should be a form of escapism, not imprisonment,’ adding , ‘there’s no clothing in the world that fits quite as well as freedom’, before donning a Vivienne Westwood ball gown to deliver an electrif ying performance and collect his Cultural Innovator award from Lena Dunham.
Amal Clooney was on hand to bestow Charlotte Tilbur y with her Special Recognit
