The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to reveal the winners of The Fashion Awards 2021 presented by TikTok. The event celebrates fashion’s role at the intersection of culture while recognising the exceptional individuals whose imagination and creativity have broken new ground in fashion globally over the past 12 months, and brands and businesses that have transformed the possibilities of fashion today.
The evening, hosted by Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning, and Golden Globe-nominated actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright Billy Porter, celebrated fifteen Leaders of Change, two Awards, four Special Recognition Awards and a new Fashion Award for Metaverse Design.
The Fashion Awards 2021 opened with a tribute for the late Virgil Abloh by British actor Idris Elba who recited ‘When Great Trees Fall’, a poem by Maya Angelou
The Fashion Awards nominees and winners are voted for by an international judging panel of industry experts of over 1000 people.
The Fashion Awards presented by TikTok 2021 Winners
Designer of the Year: Kim Jones for Dior Men and Fendi
Presented by: Demi Moore and Tom Daley
BFC Foundation Award: Nensi Dojaka
Presented by: Evan Mock and Indya Moore
Independent British Brand: Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha
Presented by: Griff
Special Recognition Award for Culture Commentary: Dylan Jones
Presented by: Kano and Patrice Evra
Leaders of Change
The 15 designers, brands, creatives, and individuals who created positive change within the fashion industry this past year under three categories: Environment, People and Creativity.
Presented by: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Creativity
Recognises designers and brands who made a global impact in the past years through their creativity in design, campaigns, collaborations and firm business foundation as well as defined the shape of global fashion.
Alessandro Michele for Gucci
Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga
Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson & LOEWE
Kim Jones OBE for Dior Men & Fendi
Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton Men & Off-White
Environment
Celebrates those who have made a significant contribution towards reducing the environmental impact of our industry to create positive change. They are the leaders and are setting the bar by exploring new business models, design principles, production processes, consumption, and disposal.
Bethany Williams for Bethany Williams
Gabriela Hearst for Chloé & Gabriela Hearst
Phoebe English for Phoebe English
Priya Ahluwalia for Ahluwalia
Stella McCartney OBE for Stella McCartney
People
Recognises those who have led change by encouraging equal, diverse, empowered workforces from head office to supply chain and shop floor. It focuses on the impact fashion has on communities.
Edward Enninful OBE
Harris Reed
Kenya Hunt
Samuel Ross
Telfar Clemens
Outstanding Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger
Presented by: Kris Jenner and Law Roach
Performance by Charli XCX
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: IB Kamara
Presented by: Adut Akech and Alton Mason
Trailblazer Award: Alessandro Michele for Gucci
Presented by: Sinead Burke
Fashion Award for Metaverse Design: cSapphire
The evening also included a number of Special Celebrations that showcased fashion’s role in culture at its best.
CHANEL was recognised for its pioneering commitment to arts and culture. In celebration, CHANEL hosted a special performance by dancer, actor and model Lil Buck. Since it was founded, CHANEL has championed new art forms, supported pathbreakers, and catalysed collaborations, believing in the transformative power of artists. With the launch of the podcast series CHANEL Connects, the CHANEL Culture Fund and the CHANEL Next Prize, the House is extending its century long commitment to the freedom of creation and reaffirming the potential of artists to imagine ‘the next’.
The Fashion Awards also paid tribute to Fashion East, and its talent and community from the past 20 years. Fashion East and Lulu Kennedy have cemented London’s tradition of being ahead of the curve; incubating, mentoring and platforming new design talent as they launch their brands while creating a space with no divisible lines between fashion, nightlife, and art, as well as conversations on gender, race, and sexuality.
As well as celebrating the incredible talents working in the fashion industry, The Fashion Awards also recognised the incredible legacy of pop and style icon, Kylie Minogue who performed Slow x Love To Love You Baby, The Infinite Disco version.
NEW WAVE: Creatives 2021 were given special mention by Billy Porter. The accolade represents 50 of the most innovative and inspiring young creative talents from around the world and spans continents and creative disciplines, highlights London’s position as the epicentre for international talent and pays homage to the incredible success of both home-grown and international talent; while celebrating all those who play a vital role in the industry’s cultural and creative reputation. Explore the full list of NEW WAVES: Creatives here.
Each winner received a unique trophy, designed by 2020 New Wave: Creative Jabez Barlett and produced by 3D-printing design specialist Nagami out of Parley Ocean Plastic®.
The Fashion Awards presented by TikTok is a fundraiser for the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152) which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on Talent, Education, Grant-Giving and Business Mentoring and aims to improve equality and opportunity so that the fashion industry remains diverse and open to all, helping talented designers at all stages of their career from school level through to becoming a global fashion brand. In 2020/21, the BFC raised £1.7 million for the BFC Foundation, and its talent support initiatives and this year the charity supported 33 designers.
The BFC has also collaborated with BOTTLETOP’s #TOGETHERBAND campaign on an exclusive band, launched to help raise funds for the BFC Foundation raise awareness for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Black Edition band is made from recycled Parley Ocean Plastic®️ and Humanium Metal, recycled illegal firearms to help put an end to armed violence. The bands retail from £18 and are available at togetherband.org
The BFC continues its collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) to further engage the fashion industry in the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Fashion Awards align with SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
SINA Fashion are the China Media Partner for The Fashion Awards 2021.
The generosity and commitment of our partners, suppliers and supporters is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging their support alongside our Principal Partner: TikTok; Official Partners: American Express, Charlotte Tilbury, Flannels, Getty Images, Moët & Chandon, Roblox, Royal Salute and The Londoner for their ongoing support.