British fashion reaps rewards at industry gongs
The 2012 Global Fashion Awards was a very British affair this week. The annual event, which celebrates the best in fashion and retail across the world, saw many British companies walk away with several of the big awards.
Victoria Beckham was one of the biggest winners of the night, beating stiff competition from the likes of Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders to be named the best womenswear designer of the year. And this isn’t the first time she’s been recognised. Only last year, she walked away with the gong for designer brand of the year at the British Fashion Awards. In only five years she’s managed to launch an incredibly successful luxury brand, along with a full accessories line and highly coveted diffusion line, Victoria by Victoria Beckham, defying her critics and winning a legion of loyal fans on the way.
And she wasn’t the only Brit receiving a big gong. British designer Kim Jones was awarded the best menswear designer for his work at Louis Vuitton; Hackett was recognised in the category for best menswear design team; and Cambridge Satchel Company, which has quickly become the go-to brand both in the UK and America, was named the best in footwear and accessories design. The big award on the night, though, went to acclaimed celebrity photographer Rankin who was induced into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to the fashion industry.
This year marked the first time that the event has been held in London, having taken place in New York over the past few years. The ceremony was hosted by Cat Deeley, who flew in for the occasion, and guests included George Lamb, Jade Parafit, Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt and actor Luke Evans.
THE WINNERS
Hall of Fame
Rankin
The CATRICE womenswear designer
Victoria Beckham
Menswear designer
Kim Jones for Louis Vuitton
Emerging designer
Emma Yeo
The LYCRA Future Designers Award
Shireeka Delvin
Footwear & Accessories Designer
Charlotte Olympia
Denim Design Team
Levi’s Commuter Series
Intimates/Swim Design Team
Seafolly
Sports/Activewear Design Team
Adidas
Buying Team (multi-brand retailer/e-tailer)
Merci
Footwear & Accessories Design Team
The Cambridge Satchel Company
Womenswear Design Team
Topshop
Menswear Design Team
Hackett
Kidswear Design Team
Macarons
The GFK Best Multi-channel retailer
Aurora Fashions
Best New Store/Refit
ALTER (Shanghai)
Best E-Store (pure play)
Mr Porter
Best Store
El Palacio de Hierro (Mexico)