LONDON - The Fashion Awards, the annual fundraising extravaganza organized by the British Fashion Council, will return to the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening, with a host of major celebrities and designers in attendance.
When it was revealed on Friday that British singer Sam Smith will accept the Cultural Innovator Award on stage, it is almost certain that the non-binary artist will create another memorable red carpet moment, similar to the dramatic latex ensemble designed by Harri that Smith wore. at the BRIT Awards earlier this year.
More from WWDIn recent years, Smith has become increasingly known for their bold and experimental fashion sense, as well as their Grammy-winning albums.
The Cultural Innovator Award was created to honor a leading figure in the entertainment industry who over the years has created viral fashion moments that have had a profound impact on the fashion industry and broader culture.
Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, said Smith is "a true cultural innovator who has fearlessly pushed the boundaries of both fashion and entertainment and inspired countless people around the world to embrace their true selves."
"Smith's unapologetic and groundbreaking style choices have dominated the industry in 2023 and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support of British designers," she added.
In addition to supporting Harri, a brand that receives funding from BFC's emerging talent program Newgen, Smith's other major fashion moments in recent history include their all-red Valentino ensemble for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, an embellished gold Ed Marler corset worn during their performances. "Gloria" tour, as well as music performances at runway shows for Harris Reed and Christian Cowan.
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Smith will be one of several big stars to attend the annual fundraising fashion extravaganza for the BFC Foundation. The event aims to showcase creative talent and examine the past year in fashion through the lens of 'purpose, excellence and creativity'.
The BFC Foundation is a charity that supports education, grants and business mentoring. In the 2022-2023 financial year, the BFC said it had transferred more than £1.2 million in funding to designers and scientists.
British Ghanaian actress Michaela Coel, whose major works include 'I May Destroy You' and 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' to her credit, has been named the recipient of the Pandora Leader of Change Award.
Her award will be presented to her by Pandora Ambassador Pamela Anderson. Pandora is the title sponsor of this year's annual fashion fundraising extravaganza.
Campbell Addy, the photographer, director and publisher, receives the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator during The Fashion Awards.
The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator aims to recognize innovators and creatives in fashion who have helped change the fashion landscape. Previous winners include Ib Kamara, Katie Grand, Amanda Harlech, Mert & Marcus, Nick Knight, Pat McGrath, Louise Wilson and Sam McKnight.
Edward Enninful, who will step down as editor-in-chief of British Vogue next year to become Vogue's global creative and cultural advisor, will take home the Trailblazer Award.
The Trailblazer Award was created in 2018 to honor fashion's leading innovators and creatives whose work has significantly shaped the industry over the past year. Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior menswear and artistic director of haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections for women at Fendi, took home the honor that year.
Make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury receives the Special Recognition Award. The BFC will also honor the late designer Joe Casely-Hayford with a new scholarship and a posthumous Special Recognition Award.
As for the tributes to fashion designers, Jonathan Anderson, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, Daniel Lee, Matthieu Blazy and Sarah Burton are the designers nominated for the Designer of the Year award.
Designer Valentino Garavani receives the Outstanding Achievement Award.
The award recognizes the creative contribution of an individual to the fashion industry, who throughout his career has "continually shaped and reshaped the fashion world through his innovation and creativity," according to the BFC.
Past winners include Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard, Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, Terry and Tricia Jones and Manolo Blahnik to name a few.
Maya Jama, the British television presenter known for hosting the dating game show 'Love Island', will co-host the 2023 Fashion Awards with musician Kojey Radical. Meanwhile, former celebrity stylist Law Roach will provide red carpet coverage.
Below you will find the full list of nominees.
