Celebrating Greatness at The British Fashion Awards

The 2021 British Fashion Awards were a recognition of creativity, bold talent, and the boundless power of the fashion industry in shaping and transforming culture. But it was a poignant and bittersweet event, held one day after the tragic news of the passing of Virgil Abloh, prolific creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton and founder of Off-White.

The boundless tributes to Virgil Abloh attest to his authentic kindness, ceaseless drive, and his visionary openness. Cross pollinating music, streetwear, and high fashion, he pushed the boundaries of creativity with a profoundly humanistic outlook on the industry. Idris Elba’s moving tribute during the ceremony read the poem ‘When Great Trees Fall’ by Maya Angelou. "We can be. Be and be better. For they existed", perfectly summarises Abloh’s legacy.

Gareth Wrighton, Campbell Addy, Adut Akech and Alton Mason © Trinity Ellis

In the same line and positioned as a truly positive cultural force, the British Fashion awards celebrated talent changing the industry under three categories: Environment, People and Creativity. Issues around the impact of the clothing industry on the planet, as well as exclusion and ethical work dynamics were taken on by designers Priya Ahluwalia, Gabriela Hearst, and Kenya Hunt amongst others. Alessandro Michele of Gucci was awarded with the Trailblazer Award, echoing fashion’s perpetual imprint on culture with the recent release of the movie House Of Gucci.

The accolades also included the BFC Foundation award, which was presented to none other than Nensi Dojaka. Rising star and fashion favourite, she also picked up the LVMH Prize earlier this year. Her bespoke green gown for Camille Charrière is one of many testimonies to her magical and empowering talent. London based brand 16Arlington also dazzled, dressing actress and model Amy Jackson for the occasion with its signature feather accentuated, glamorous cuts.

It was ultimately very fitting for Virgil Abloh to have been recognised in the Creativity Award Category. He had recorded a video message for the occasion :

“Part of my practice within design, fashion, art, and culture, is to keep these doors open for future generations, that I’ve been able to open for myself'. The night concluded on the words of a true trailblazer and a resolutely optimistic outlook for the future of fashion.

Pooja Lucie Willmann

1/12/2021