The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that Mr. Valentino Garavani, founder and former creative director of the Maison Valentino, will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at The Fashion Awards 2023. His incredible body of work will be celebrated on Monday 4th December at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The Fashion Awards, organised by the BFC, are the primary fundraiser for the BFC Foundation and celebrate the role of fashion at the intersection of culture and entertainment, spotlighting creative talent and telling the stories of the year in fashion through the lens of purpose, excellence and creativity.
Mr. Valentino is universally admired for his exquisite and groundbreaking couture creations and red-carpet gowns. Over his nearly 50 years as a designer, Mr. Valentino constructed gowns for influential and prestigious actresses, society ladies and politicians. Mr. Valentino’s extraordinary designs, dedication to craftsmanship, ubiquitous branding and business acumen have left an indelible mark on the fashion world and cemented him as a legend of haute couture.
In 1960, Mr. Valentino co-founded his eponymous fashion house, the Maison Valentino, with Giancarlo Giammetti in Rome. Since his debut collection in 1962, Mr. Valentino’s designs which feature bold colours, luxurious and innovative fabrics, intricate embroidery, masterful draping, and impeccable craftsmanship, have captivated the fashion elite. Mr. Valentino’s iconic design signatures include Valentino Red, a striking crimson shade, and the ‘V’ emblem, featured on the brand’s accessories. Since his retirement in 2008, Mr. Valentino’s legacy lives on through his globally renowned luxury brand, which continues to honour the designer’s passion for consummate femininity, old Hollywood glamour and craftsmanship.
Mr. Valentino, founder and former creative director, the Maison Valentino: “It is a tremendous honour to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to witness the transformative power of fashion and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had. To be honoured in London, one of my most beloved cities, makes this momentous occasion even more special. I am truly humbled, and I hope to continue to inspire future generations of designers to challenge conventional norms and wholeheartedly embrace innovation, beauty, and glamour.”
Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council: “We are thrilled to present Mr. Valentino with the Outstanding Achievement Award for his game-changing approach and pursuit to push boundaries throughout his long-spanning career. Mr. Valentino is a true visionary whose boundless creativity, innovative designs, and dedication to craftsmanship, have revolutionised the fashion industry. Mr. Valentino’s contributions and achievements are unparalleled, and he has not only set new standards of excellence but also inspired generations of designers. We look forward to celebrating him in London this December.”
The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates the overwhelming creative contribution of an individual to the fashion industry, who throughout their illustrious career has constantly shaped and reshaped the fashion world through their innovation and creativity. Previous winners of the Award include Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard, Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren KBE, Karl Lagerfeld, Dame Anna Wintour, Terry and Tricia Jones and Manolo Blahnik CBE to name only a few.
The Fashion Awards brings together a global community in London, the home of fashion creativity, to amplify leaders of change, celebrate excellence in creativity and support the next generation of creative talent. The event is the primary fundraiser of the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152), which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on education, grant-giving and business mentoring. In the financial year 2022/2023, the BFC remitted over £1.2m in funds to designers and scholars.
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General tickets for The Fashion Awards 2023 are available here.