Alessandro Michele, Nensi Dojaka and Tommy Hilfiger were also celebrated at last night’s ceremony
Last night, the first in-person Fashion Awards since 2019 was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Celebrities, designers, and editors descended on the freezing cold red carpet in an array of decadent designs – singer Dua Lipa wore a sleek dress by emerging talent Maximillian, and singer Griff a romantic Simone Rocha look – for an evening which honoured the most inspiring forces in the fashion industry. Just one day after the shocking news of Virgil Abloh’s death, the event also marked a touching memorial to the visionary American designer, who passed away on the weekend following a private, two-year battle with cancer.
Dazed’s editor-in-chief IB Kamara was awarded the prestigious Isabella Blow Award (with photographer Campbell Addy and Dazed’s art director Gareth Wrighton accepting it on his behalf) for his “incredible” contribution to culture, art and fashion, as well as his unwavering “commitment to challenging stereotypes and the status quo.” Meanwhile Kim Jones, the artistic director of Dior men’s and Fendi womenswear, was awarded Designer of the Year; Gucci’s Alessandro Michele the Trailblazer Award; rising star Nensi Dojaka the BFC Foundation Award; and Tommy Hilfiger the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Abloh was recognised – alongside peers Alessandro Michele, Demna Gvasalia, Kim Jones, and Jonathan Anderson – with the Leaders of Change prize. The evening was also marked with several moving testimonials of his immense contribution to fashion and his warm character from the likes of Edward Enninful, Billy Porter, and friend Idris Elba. “I lost a friend, his wife lost a husband, the fashion industry lost a legend, and the world lost a special human being,” the actor told the audience. “Those who know Virgil know he would want us to have a good time. Tonight’s entire show is dedicated to Virgil Abloh’s life.”
See the full list of winners from The Fashion Awards 2021 below.
Isabella Blow Award: IB Kamara. Trailblazer Award: Alessandro Michele. BFC Foundation Award: Nensi Dojaka. Leaders of Change, Creativity: Virgil Abloh, Alessandro Michele, Demna Gvasalia, Kim Jones, Jonathan Anderson. Special Recognition Award: Dylan Jones. Leaders of Change, Environment: Bethany Williams, Gabriela Hearst, Phoebe English, Priya Ahluwaliya, Stella McCartney. Designer of the Year: Kim Jones. Leaders of Change, People: Edward Enninful, Harris Reed, Kenya Hunt, Samuel Ross, Telfar Clemens. Outstanding Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger