What on EARTH has happened to the Fashion Awards? Once branded ‘Britain’s Met Gala’, the ceremony is a far cry from its glitzy heyday with AJ Pritchard and Tallia Storm getting their moment to shine while Hollywood A-listers shun the show
The Fashion Awards were previously dubbed Britain’s answer to the Met Gala, with the crème de la crème of the industry descending on London for an evening of partying.
In recent years, names like Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett have graced the red carpet, capturing the attention of guests and photographers alike with their glamorous gowns.
However, this year’s red carpet appears to be a far cry from the star-studded guest list that other events once envied, with reality stars making up a large part of this year’s line-up.
Among the stars in attendance this year was singer Tallia Storm, who tried to steal the spotlight in a figure-hugging leopard print dress.
The radio star, always a fixture at red carpet events, risked her matching faux fur coat getting dirty as she dramatically dragged it behind her.
There was also former Strictly Professional AJ Pritchard, who packed on the PDA with his girlfriend Zara Zoffany as they posed for snaps together.
This year’s Fashion Awards line-up was a far cry from years past, with reality star Tallia Storm among the attendees (left) compared to 2019’s A-List line-up, which included Julia Roberts
There was also former Strictly Professional AJ Pritchard, who packed on the PDA with his girlfriend Zara Zoffany as they posed for photos together
The line-up was a far cry from the glitzy A-Listers who attended the event in 2019, where Cate Blanchett (pictured) stunned in a sparkling ivory dress
Love Island alumni Indiyah Polack was also spotted on the red carpet, wearing a blue fringed dress.
The line-up was a far cry from the glitzy A-Listers who attended the event in 2019, which alongside stars Cate and Julia also saw Mission Impossible frontman Tom Cruise pictured at the event.
Other big names in attendance that year included Lily James, Stella Maxwell and Naomi Campbell.
The evening saw Tom Ford receive the award for Outstanding Achievement, as he received the award from none other than Anna Wintour.
Sharing his appreciation for London, the designer said in his speech: “I have lived in London longer than any other city. I moved to Gucci’s design studio in the 90s and when I started my own label, I chose to do it here.
“There’s so much life here, so much creativity, and so much of that is here tonight. To me it is the most inspiring city in the world and I am so happy and happy that I can call it my home.’
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan and American actress Kelly Rutherford took to the stage to award Simone Rocha with British Womenswear Designer of the Year, while Grace Wales Bonner won British Menswear Designer of the Year.
The award recognizes designers who participate in one of the BFC’s supporting initiatives, including Newgen, the Vogue and GQ Fashion Funds and the BFC Fashion Trust.
Love Island alumni Indiyah Polack was also spotted on the red carpet, wearing an unflattering blue fringed dress
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison donned a black dress to attend the event
Elsewhere, Myleene Klass, 46, seemingly missed the dress code for the chic party, turning up in skimpy white hot pants and a matching crop top
Laura Whitmore, 29, attracted attention for all the wrong reasons
Five years earlier, the Fashion Awards were considered one of the top events on the red carpet calendar, with the likes of Lily James (left) and Naomi Watts (right) in attendance
Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise also made a surprise appearance at the 2019 ceremony
Opening the evening, the couple received the award from musicians Joe Jonas and Olivia Dean.
One Day star Ambika Mod presented Stephen Jones with accessories designer of the year, while trans model Alex Consani won model of the year.
Joking with the audience, she said in her speech: “I’m the first trans model to win this award,” after receiving the award from model Ashley Graham and Baby Reindeer star Nava Mau.
She continued, “Now more than ever, it’s an important conversation to have about how we can support and uplift each other in this industry – especially those who have been made to feel insignificant.
“Because change is more than possible, it is necessary, and this is a step in the right direction.”
Elsewhere, Moncler CEO Remo Ruffini won the Trailblazer Award for his contribution to the fashion industry.
Finally, Gucci received a special recognition award for its “We Will Always Have London” campaign, which was created by creative director Sabato De Sarno and photographer and activist Nan Goldin.
Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou and Margaret Barbour also received special recognition awards.