BrandAlley Home

By Christian Rose Day

We couldn’t say farewell to 2009 without quickly mentioning the cream of British fashion from the last 12 months as seen at the British Fashion Awards in West London last month. The Swarovski-sponsored event sparkled with talent and dazzled with VIP glamour. Vivian Westwood was there. Eva Herzigova was there. Claudia Schiffer was there. Victoria Beckham was there. Daisy Lowe was there. But then so were Pixie Geldof, Jodie Marsh, and James Corden of TV’s Gavin & Stacy (hmmm?).

Hosted by the elfin Lauren Laverne, the awards proved to be very favourable for a little known brand called Burberry who not only scooped the Designer Brand accolade but also landed the top BFC Designer of the Year prize for Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey. There were also symbolic awards for Moss and Galliano for….well, something or other, and Georgia Jagger was the judges’ favourite model mainly because of her ‘face of Hudson Jeans’ appointment and starring role in the Versace Spring 2010 Campaign.

Regardless, though, BrandAlley was more interested to learn about the lesser-knowns amongst the winning clan; such as…….Kim Jones who saw off opposition from Todd Lynn and Graeme Fidler (for Aquascutum) to claim best Menswear Designer. Since taking on the role of Creative Director for Dunhill, his previous obsessions with streetwise and sportswear have given way to colour blocking and panelling. Although Dunhill is unquestionably and classically British, it has needed rejuvenating in recent years and, along with the global signing of Jude Law as the international face of the brand, Jones has presented two internationally acclaimed collections recently that have proven Dunhill as more edgy and youthful. Particular Jones highlights to look out for in 2010 are his mirrored luggage, his subtle fabric marbling, and his sunglasses made from polished flint that has been extracted from the base of the Thames!

Special mention must also go to Peter Pilotto who took the Emerging Talent Award for Ready-To-Wear. His talent for prints and ‘firework’-inspired textures and colours were the talk of the town at the last London Fashion Week.

And finally, here’s an interesting titbit to mull over from the awards: although the judging panel comprised of bosses from Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, The Guardian, Grazia, and many other publications of kudos, only 3 of the 16 judges were blokes. Make of that what you will.