The British Fashion Awards 2020 is the one event of the year that brings together some of the most influential people in the industry, ranging from fashion to music and more.
This year, the event took a little spin as an abridged version of the Fashion Awards to remain more sustainable in the post Covid-19 world. However, the concept remained true to itself whilst honouring and celebrating various groups of individuals ranging from creatives to designers.
Milly Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) introduced the Fashion Awards which was followed by a sequence of clips of the events over the past year, ranging from forest fires in Australia to the Blacks Lives Movement to footage of those in governmental power.
It showed viewers just how much resilience and change we’ve accomplished and how much we still need to do to make a safe future for the next generation. The video footage highlighted individuals who stood up against prejudice within the fashion industry, to those brands aiming for a sustainable future.
This year saw more companies get involved with fundraising from BFC launching its covid crisis fund raising campaign for designers, to luxury brand Gucci creating a donate ad and Sotherby’s charity auction.
Recognition was given to Captain Sir Tom Moore who featured on the cover of the 23rd annual GQ Awards Special for his incredible efforts in his fundraising campaign for key workers. Covid has transitioned us into being more sustainable and working from home instead of commuting to the office, and examples were given, of how artists have transitioned into new territories.
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Miss World 2000) shared how we can celebrate innovation in fashion sharing the spotlight with those in the industry who inspire us to develop a better future. She acknowledged that “collectively we can all do more, locally and globally“.
Priyanka announced the 2020 ‘Community Honaries’ which included Emergency Designer Network, who contributed to design 10,000 gowns for British healthcare services, Michael Halpern and Chanel for developing a racial justice fund to support grass root organisations led by people of colour.
Kenneth Ize for his work towards placing nigerian heritage on a global scale, and A Sai for actively standing against injustice and making fashion inclusive and kind.
Inspirational footage from Lewis Hamilton was broadcast depicting the difficulties of 2020 and the power we have to make a difference, he discussed the platform we have to help others to make a more equal and representative society that offers all an opportunity.
He announced the ‘People Category’ for individuals and organisations that have led change among the industry. Honourees included Edward Enninful (editor of British Vogue), Lindsay Peoples Wagner and Sandrine Charles (Black In Fashion Council), Samuel Ross (A-Cold-Wall), Aurora James (campaign for retailers to dedicate 15% to black owned brands) and last but not least, Priya Ahluwalia (agent of change).
Starlet Maisie Williams (Game Of Thrones, New Mutants) made a surprise cameo sharing with us the climate and ecological crisis we face and that we must understand that we are the problem but also the solution.
She went on to share with us 5 ‘Environment Honourees’ that have made an immense contribution to making a better world. These honaries are Stella Mccartney, Anya Hindmarch, Christopher Raeburn, The Fashion Pact and Gabriela Hearst.
In this fast moving show for fashion lovers, great footage from fashion weeks across the globe were broadcast ranging from Shanghai Fashion Week, London Fashion Week to Vogue Korea Digital Fashion Week. Displaying runway shows from various designers such as Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga show ‘Walking On Water’ among others.
There were many shows that caught my eye, however one of my favourite scenes was Moschino, where the audience was made up of wax designs of iconic greats within the industry such as Anna Wintour.
Creativity was presented by the talented Spanish singer Rosalía, who shared with us that fashion is a language for communication and announced the ‘Creativity Honaries’ for 2020, which included Jonathan Anderson, Grace Wales Bonner (challenging the male norms of African male identity), Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons for Prada, Riccardo Tisci x Burberry and Kim Jones.
Special guest David Beckham gave recognition to final honorary Kim Jones noting how the designer constantly excels.
The evening closed with a poem titled ‘Clio Closet’ by James Massiah playing in the background to the credits of all 20 honourees being discussed, all 300 nominees being shared, thanks to BFC Patrons and remembering those in the industry that sadly passed in the year such as Kenzo Takada.
Watch the awards ceremony on YouTube here and check out some looks from previous British Fashion Awards
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