Chances are you remember the time Rihanna and A$AP Rocky shut down the red carpet at the Fashion Awards in 2019. Or the myriad of Kate Moss moments over the years. But can you remember what Jonathan Rhys Myers wore in 2004? What about Lee Alexander McQueen's understated look in 1997? Here are their best looks from London's largest - and most eclectic - fashion fundraiser.
Cara Delevingne, 2012
In 2012, Cara Delevingne won Model of the Year and wore a metallic green mini dress by Burberry that made her look Quality Street in the best way possible. Christopher Bailey's collection of metallic trench coats and see-through bags looks just as cool a decade later. Instead of metallic peep-toe shoes, I would wear it with black tights and chunky boots.
Phoebe Philo, 2010
It seems an opportune time to revisit Phoebe Philo's red carpet catalog, given the damage the launch of her eponymous brand did to women's bank accounts last month. This photo was taken when Phoebe was just beginning her industry-changing stint at the helm of Céline. Thirteen years later, Phoebe's custom black jumpsuit and blazer (and clutch, and cuff) still look fresh, chic, as if I had worn them in 2010. Which sums up its magic.
Miuccia Prada, 2018
Mama Miuccia is unparalleled in every area. When it comes to her personal style, she champions her designs, which range from extravagant feathered coats and neon fringed dresses to more understated but impeccably cut garments. I am particularly drawn to the latter category, and a memorable moment was when Ms. Prada received the Outstanding Achievement Award in London, draped in classic silk pajamas that embodied elegance and comfort, qualities that align perfectly with my taste (I wish).
Lee Alexander McQueen, 1997
I am a person who wears "disgusting sweatpants" and "stained UGG boots"-to quote a colleague of mine-in an office where other people wear Saint Laurent blazers and crystal-studded Miu Miu shorts. This is because I find dress codes (including, but not limited to, suits) oppressive. I've also been told that I'm a hater and that I "don't know how to have fun" ... but when you spend most of your waking hours writing about other people's clothes, the last thing you want to do is turn your lens inward and start considering and building your image. I think there is power in making a little less effort than others: it brings attention to the most essential qualities of a person's character and suggests that you can see beyond the dictates about what is or is not appropriate to dress. This is why I am drawn to the moment when Lee Alexander McQueen was named British Designer of the Year in 1997, wearing nothing more sophisticated than a denim jacket and a polo shirt. He looked like he was in the pub.
Naomi Campbell, 1993
Did you think Naomi Campbell would be outdone by a pair of heels? Certainly not. Six months after the super Londoner dusted herself off on the Vivienne Westwood runway after falling in her purple wedges, she showed up at The Fashion Awards wearing a pair of royal blue shoes with the subtext: boss bitch. Her best accessory? Kate Moss, who sported equally dizzying party shoes for moral support.
Rihanna, 2014
If you needed further proof that Rihanna has always been ahead of the curve, she adopted the pantsless trend long before anyone else. At the 2014 ceremony, the singer opted for an oversized velvet tuxedo by Stella McCartney, buttoned up to navel height, which she paired with a dazzling diamond choker, sheer tights, and patent leather stilettos. This is how to command a black-tie dress code.
November 16, 2023