Luella Bartley wins BFA designer of the year |
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| Wednesday, 26 November 2008 | |
 On Tuesday the British Fashion Awards celebrated the best in fashion at the Art Deco RHS Lawrence Hall. Transformed into a glittering, gilt ballroom, the setting was a fitting backdrop to the fashion industry's ultimate night of celebration. Supported by Swarovski, the event delivered a
stellar night of performance and ceremony, which was attended by 500+ celebrities, fashion talent and industry insiders from across the globe. Names on the guestlist roll-call included Claudia Schiffer, Christian Slater and Sophie Ellis Bextor, to name a few.
The British Fashion Awards recognise designers at every level, from newcomers to the more established as well as creatives and models. This year saw the introduction of two new Emerging Talent Awards, supported by Swarovski, which were collected by Louise Goldin (ready-to-wear) and Nicholas Kirkwood (accessories). Commenting on this year’s British Fashion Awards nominees shortlist and the annual Awards, Hilary Riva, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, said: 'The Awards celebrate the extraordinary talent within the British fashion industry, as highlighted in this year's nominees shortlist. I would like to thank Swarovski for their support of the British Fashion Awards 2008 and for their sponsorship of the 'Emerging Talent Awards', which will help to support two of our newer talents as they establish their careers and businesses.' Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications for our supporter Swarovski said: 'Swarovski is honoured to support the British Fashion Awards for the third consecutive year. This prestigious annual ceremony creates a platform that supports, recognises and celebrates the ongoing creativity and talent in the industry. This year, we are introducing two new awards, The Emerging Talent Award for Ready to Wear and The Emerging Talent Award for Accessories. We hope that this recognition and the financial support will enable up-and-coming designers to grow, while allowing their creativity to flourish.' Image: Luella Bartley |
Following an exclusive champagne reception and dinner, fashion's cognoscenti toasted the recipients of the ultimate accolades of the British fashion industry. Among the winners were Stephen Jones, who was presented with the BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design; Luella Bartley, who won Designer of the Year 2008; and Savile Row tailor Richard James, who was unveiled as the inaugural winner of new category, Bespoke.