Best Dressed at the 2023 The Fashion Awards

On Monday, the biggest names in global fashion all came together for The Fashion Awards. The illustrious event was hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical (both with multiple outfit changes during the night) at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. For another year, The British Fashion Council shone a spotlight on the importance of all aspects of the fashion industry. Established in 1989, The Fashion Awards acts as the main fundraiser for the BFC Foundation. BFC is responsible for spearheading the future of the British fashion industry via grants, mentoring and other support to early career designers, such as NEWGEN, a programme that has supported the likes of Feben, Labrum, A-COLD-WALL, Tolu Coker and David Koma. 

While a celebration of fashion’s influence in entertainment, culture and beyond; unlike other high profile fashion fundraising events the TFAs are a chance to highlight and recognise all the amazing work that fashion professionals have achieved on the global stage. 

This year Martine Rose for Martine Rose won British Menswear Designer of the Year, Bianca Saunders won New Establishment Menswear and Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo won British Womenswear Designer of the Year. For his work for his eponymous brand JW Anderson and as creative director for Loewe, Jonathan Anderson won designer of the year to name but a few of the people honoured last night. 

But of course no fashion event is complete without amazing red carpet looks, so here are our favourite looks of the night.

1. Jourdan Dunn

London-born and bred model Jourdan Dunn is no stranger to the best dressed list. Her and her stylist Justin Hamilton consistently curate show stopping looks, and last night was no different. While the look was all black it was far from dull and drab. The floor length dress featured a sheer sleeveless bodice worn with a plain black strapless bra. It flowed into a velvet column low waist skirt completed with a train that affixed on the shoulder with covered buttons. The waistline of the skirt was curved with a design similar to sun rays that stretch out cross her stomach. If that was enough of a show stopping look the high velvet neckline was connected to a headdress similar to an ancient Egyptian crown cap, giving the look a feeling of regality. The Thaihuy look was completed with simple patent black court heels and Bucherer Fine rings and diamond bracelet. The glam by Kelechi’s Art was kept smoky and sultry comparatively pulled back allowing both the outfit and Dunn’s iconic bone structure to shine. Simply breathtaking.

2. Cindy Kimberly

Model and content creator Cindy Kimberly chose a Di Petsa look for her TFA debut. As Di Petsa is famous for her water goddess, wet look designs, Kimberly leaned into the aesthetic with her accessories and makeup. The under bust revealing satin top was paired with beaded jewellery seemingly affixed to her nipples before flowing down her stomach. This was then paired with a headdress featuring a variety of pearls and white beads that cascaded down her hair both contrasting against her dark locks and complementing the beaded closure at the back of the top. Kimberly did her own makeup choosing frosty white eyeshadow, dark eyeliner, glossy pink lips and glowy skin. When wearing a designer like Di Petsa that has a clear signature calling card, the looks translate best when you embody the world of the designer. Kimberly did this perfectly, creating an ethereal, sexy and beautiful look. Can’t wait to see what she does next year.

3. Munroe Bergdorf

Contributing British Vogue editor, model and activist Munroe Bergdorf went full glam in a custom Robert Wun look. Bergdorf is an avid lover of a fitted corseted look and it’s clear why: she looks great in them! Last night was no different. The royal purple dress featured a corseted bodice with silver hardware on the bust reminiscent of nipple rings and an off the shoulder sleeve fashioned from pleated fabric that is fast becoming a classic Wun detail. The pleating and corsetry continued into the skirt. With a lace up front curved around hips with matching purple piping before finishing the skirt with the same pleated fabric as the sleeves. The look was finished by her stylist Thomas George Wulbern with Bulgari jewellery, patent court heels and long jet black wavy hair. Vampy, glam and confident.

4. Adut Akech

Model Adut Akech opted for a caramel brown dress for this year’s look. Styled by Shaquille Ross-Williams, the custom KNWLS dress had a warrior princess vibe. With the corsetted leather bodice and chiffon flowing skirt and bust, the look was the perfect blend of ethereality and strength. Paired with Jimmy Choo bronze-gold pumps complete with a diamonte ankle strap, from head to toe the look was seamless and cohesive. The choice of caramel brown shades was a smart one. It perfectly complimented her skin tone and added an extra element of beauty to the look. The final touches of dangling asymmetric earrings, a cross pendent necklace by Chrome Hearts and hair in a slicked back bob, makes this a truly stunning look.

5. Nicole Scherzinger

Actress and singer-songwriter Nicole Scherzinger stunned in a full length custom ballgown by Patrick McDowell. Featuring a traditional style corset with moulded cups and a frosty green skirt complete with Cathedral length train. Layered over the green fabric was a sheer black fabric which perfectly complemented the under bust piping and asymmetric neckline details. While at first look this gown is beautiful and reminiscent of a rebellious royal pushing the boat out fashion wise but makes it truly exceptional is the fabrication. The dress is made entirely from TENCEL fibres. Sustainable fashion has a reputation of being boring, basic and oftentimes ugly, however this dress is anything but. Stunning, fun and glamorous all while being made from biodegradable fibres. Together McDowell, Scherzinger and her stylist Emily Evans have shown that sustainability doesn’t have to be at odds with beautiful sexy designs, instead they actually perfectly complement each other.

Who were your favourite looks of the night?