The annual Fashion Awards presented by Pandora took place on Dec. 1 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Various celebrities and well-known designers arrived dressed to impress on the velvet blue carpet.
The show began by announcing the winners of prestigious awards, featuring live performances and paying tributes to those who made an impact on the fashion world.
It was also a time for reveals. Ellie Goulding officially announced that she was having a baby, showing off her pregnant belly in her all-black Willy Chavarria look. Designer Stella McCartney collaborated with H&M to debut its new collection on models like Alton Mason and Amelia Gray. The collection will be officially dropped in spring 2026.
American actor, director, producer and playwright Colman Domingo guided the festivities for the night with his charm and wit in a range of tailored designer suits. Domingo has been dominating the “Best Dressed” lists for men throughout the 2025 awards season, so he was the perfect choice to host such an event. “British fashion has always been at the forefront of global culture, and tonight we’re here to celebrate this impact,” Domingo said in his opening speech.
The first performer was British musician Raye, who sang some of her viral hits like “Cry Me A River” and “Where Is My Husband” wearing a custom Ferrari gown. Tems, a Nigerian artist and Grammy recipient, also graced the stage in one of Stella McCartney’s designs, singing her new single “I’m Not Sure” and her hit song “Me and U.”
In between those two performances was a dance piece by six members of the English National Ballet who wore colorful striped swim shorts.
The awards at the show highlighted leadership, creativity, talent and innovation. Model Anok Yai won the “Model of the Year” award. “To all my little black girls watching this, your color’s not a curse. You are more powerful than you can imagine,” Yai said.
Jonathan Anderson was awarded “Designer of the Year” for the third time in a row for his label JW Anderson and creative direction at Dior. Tania Fares, the founder of the British Fashion Council Foundation, was acknowledged as well.
The BFC Foundation is a charity that is known for pouring its money into the youth. “The Fashion Awards serves as the main fundraiser of the BFC Foundation, which supports the future growth and success of the British Fashion industry through its focus on education, grant-giving and business mentoring,” says the Fashion Awards website.
The charity works with teenage students who are curious about the world of fashion and then supports them on their way to university, where young professionals can engage in more career-related projects.
Fares highlighted that the Fashion Awards had raised $1 million for the first time and followed with a heartfelt video of students and alumni who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity. “To be the first Lebanese person to get this recognition from the British Fashion Council is an extraordinary honor,” Fares said in her acceptance speech.
The recaps of the winners as well as the blue carpet looks of attendees can be found on the Fashion Awards website and on YouTube.
