BFC unveils categories for the new international Fashion Awards
The British Fashion Council has revealed that 11 of the 15 categories for The Fashion Awards (previously British Fashion Awards) will be open to international designers and brands and new categories, to recognise the importance of influences such as streetwear and business leadership, have also been introduced.
Sponsored by Swarovski, the new-format event will take place on 5 December at the Royal Albert Hall in London (it had been housed at the Coliseum in Covent Garden in recent years). For the first time will act as a fundraiser to support the British Fashion Council Education Foundation charity, which offers scholarships to talented young people to study BAs and MAs at the best universities in the UK.
The categories open to international entrants, and many of which are new for 2016, are: Model of the Year, Ready-to-Wear Designer of the Year, Accessories Designer of the Year, Urban Luxury, Fashion Icon (to be voted for by the public), Creative Influencer and Business Leader.
In addition international names will also be considered for the special recognition awards which include: Outstanding Achievement Award, Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, Special Recognition Award and Swarovski Award for Positive Change.
Four categories will be kept for British talent only and these are: British Menswear Designer of the Year, British Womenswear Designer of the Year, British Brand and Emerging Talent Award.
The British Fashion Awards were launched in 1989 and have become one of the most high profile celebrity events of the year. Last year’s ceremony was attended by 450 VIPs of industry heavyweights, alongside a sold out auditorium of more than 2,000 guests, with attendees including Anna Wintour OBE, David Beckham OBE, Karl Lagerfeld, Karlie Kloss, Lady Gaga, Lewis Hamilton, Naomi Campbell, Nick Knight OBE, Olivier Rousteing, Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham.
Tickets for the December event are now open for sale at the Fashion Awards website.
