The Fashion Awards is consistently ranked as one of the most seminal nights for fashion lovers – and last night’s ceremony lived up to expectations. Hosted in London’s Royal Albert Hall, the event brought together an extremely stylish and iconic guest-list including the likes of Julia Roberts, Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace, Rihanna and Naomi Campbell (though that’s to name just a few).
Rihanna stole the show with her all-green ensemble – which, as expected, was all from her own clothing line, FENTY. Her halterneck ‘Light Matcha’ satin bustier dress was elegantly paired with matching gloves and a Gerogette sheer coat embellished with diamonds draping gently on her back. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that FENTY picked up an award for ‘Best Urban Luxe Brand’ last night presented to her by Tyler the Creator and Janet Jackson.
“Thank you for believing in me as a young black woman and my talent,” she said, accepting the award. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove what I love to do”.
Naomi Campbell was also a prize winner last night for ‘Fashion Icon Award’ and hence became the first woman of colour to ever receive the accolade. She thanked her mother primarily, stating, “whatever success I have is a testament to you”. The sheer embellished Alexander McQueen gown worn last night was just one of the many looks she has effortlessly pulled off over the course of her 3-decade-long career.
Adut Akech took the title of ‘Model of the Year’ and in her acceptance speech, the South Sudanese-Australian model stated “This award is bigger than me; it’s bigger than a title in the industry. It’s for every young girl or boy refugees around the world in a tough position who are unheard or unseen”. Her emerald green Valentino dress worn last night featuring a thigh-high split and statement bow looked like it was picked directly from the Fashion Houses’ latest Haute Couture collection showcased in Beijing this November which featured big bows and bare shoulders.
Other favourites from the night include Kaia Gerber in a monochrome Loewe ensemble. A black bralette paired with a lace white skirt, taken from the SS20 collection channelled a fresh Gen-Z aesthetic.
Host, Tracee Ellis Ross also wore Loewe, in particular a white handkerchief dress from Jonathan Anderson’s spring/summer 2020 collection. The layered white piece featured a geometric mismatch hemline paired with a chunky white necklace.
Nicole Scherzinger (frontrunner of the recently reformed girl-group ‘The Pussycat Dolls’) made a stellar appearance with her all black and heavily embellished Julien Macdonald dress.
Supermodel Neelam Kaur Gill wore a Balmain geometric patterned bodice and feather skirt. Victoria Secret model Leomie Anderson wore an elegant Armani gown laced with an array of colourful gems (pictured together).
Supermodel Winnie Harlow, who was a nominee for Model of the Year, stunned in Vivienne Westwood with a pink ruffled dress which protruded on either side and featured heavy ruching.
Rosie Huntington Whitely wore a shimmering halterneck gown as she walked down the red-carpet by Bottega Veneta (the designer picked up 4 awards last night).
Adwoa Aboah recipient of the ‘Model of the Year Award’ in 2017 and was nominated again this year wore a floral bodycon by John Galliano.
Words by Hena Sharma
