LONDON — Dior dominated the 2025 Fashion Awards, with Jonathan Anderson picking up the top Designer of the Year prize for the third year running and Delphine Arnault taking home a Special Recognition award for her “exceptional contribution” to the global fashion industry, and “longstanding commitment to championing emerging talent.”
Dior wasn’t the only star in the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton stable during Monday night’s event, which was sponsored by Pandora and hosted by Colman Domingo, with performances by Raye and Tems. Guests included Cate Blanchett, Sharon Stone, Gwendoline Christie, Sienna Miller, Kim Cattrall, Mick Jagger and Rita Ora.
Sarah Burton, creative director at Givenchy, won the British Womenswear Designer award. The longtime designer at Alexander McQueen, Burton joined Givenchy in September 2024 and made a dazzling debut for the fall 2025 season, sending out dramatic hourglass coats and jackets, geometric baby dolls and austere triangular gowns. In October, Burton received the WWD Honor for Womenswear Designer of the Year.
Blanchett presented Burton with the award, describing the designer as “one of the most beloved” figures in fashion, “admired deeply for her kindness, humility and kick-ass grace. She is a new type of genius — the divine Sarah Burton.”
Grace Wales Bonner picked up the British Menswear Designer award for her label, which draws inspiration from art, film and the experiences of the African diaspora on both sides of the Atlantic. She often works with Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard, reimagining classic tailoring, and incorporates textured embellishments, artisanal craftsmanship and cross-cultural elements into her designs.
As reported, Wales Bonner will be joining Hermès as menswear creative director, stepping into the role left vacant by Véronique Nichanian, who is leaving after a 37-year tenure at the house.
The Vanguard award, which recognizes a designer at the forefront of a new wave in British fashion, went to Dilara Fındıkoğlu for her label. The Turkish-born designer is known for her dark, Gothic aesthetic, while her punky designs have been worn by the likes of Blanchett, Margot Robbie and Blackpink’s Rosé and Lisa.
In an unconventional move, the designer thanked herself “for never giving up. This award is dedicated to all of the misfits in the world. London is a home for people who break the rules,” she said.
Three-time champ Anderson won his latest award for Dior, where he is creative director, overseeing menswear and womenswear, and for his signature label JW Anderson, which he transformed earlier this year into a lifestyle brand with a focus on design and craft.
Anderson, who wore shamrocks on the lapel of his velvet jacket, is the first designer to win the top prize three years in a row, albeit working for different labels. In 2023 and in 2024 he scooped the top award for his work as creative director of JW Anderson and Loewe which, like Dior, is owned by LVMH.
“It’s been a crazy year for me, and I’d like to thank the BFC for leaving space for me and for others to be whoever they want to be. I would not be where I am today without them putting up with me.” He also thanked Arnault for making work “fun” and for believing in him from the start.
Arnault’s award, revealed in the fall, marks the first time she has been recognized by the British Fashion Council.
Laura Weir, chief executive officer of the British Fashion Council, described Arnault, who is chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, as “one of the most visionary and influential leaders in global fashion — a figure whose impact is felt far beyond the boardroom.”
Weir added that Arnault combines strategic leadership “with a genuine commitment to nurturing creativity, education and opportunity. Her belief in talent as the lifeblood of this industry has transformed countless careers and continues to shape fashion’s global future.”
Arnault said she was honored to receive the award, “which highlights the importance of supporting young talents who will define the fashion and creativity of tomorrow.”
A host of Fashion Awards winners were revealed earlier this year.
They include Brunello Cucinelli, who received an Outstanding Achievement Award, and Tania Fares, Fashion Trust Arabia co-chair, and co-chair of the BFC Foundation Fundraising Committee. Fares collected a Special Recognition award for her contribution to the BFC Fashion Trust’s charitable programs over the last 15 years.
Lulu Kennedy and Raphaelle Moore also received a Special Recognition award for supporting 25 years of the emerging talent platform Fashion East, which has launched the careers of some of the most influential names in the industry. Alumni include Anderson, Kim Jones, Maximilian Davis, Simone Rocha, Roksanda, Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, Craig Green, Nensi Dojaka and Stefan Cooke.
Rei Kawakubo, Adrian Joffe and Dickon Bowden received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator following an “incredible contribution to the global fashion industry” for their work at the groundbreaking retailer Dover Street Market, according to the BFC.
Anok Yai won Model of the Year. Over the last year alone she has been on the cover of Vogue France, fronted Versace, Alaïa and Saint Laurent campaigns, and continued her role as the face of Mugler’s Alien fragrance. Most recently, she showcased two statement looks at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
“It’s actually happening” said the model, clutching her award to her chest. “I was told I’d be a flash in the pan, and that I’d last six months. Well, it’s been a long six months,” she said. She said that while she was not born to privilege, “I have a bloodline of resilience. I am a refugee — and there is nothing stronger than that.”
The South Sudanese American model also addressed her colleagues. “To all of my little Black girls, your color is not a curse. You are more powerful than you can imagine. I wish peace for Sudan. My family is dying there and I don’t know what to do,” she said.
Celebrity stylist Sam Woolf, who has been instrumental in shaping Doechii’s fashion style, took home the Pandora Style Moment of the Year Award.
The annual Fashion Awards event is a key fundraiser for the BFC Foundation, and the money goes toward supporting students and fashion talent through a variety of programs.
The BFC Foundation offers four talent prizes: the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund; the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund; BFC Newgen, and the BFC Fashion Trust.
The foundation also offers BA and MA scholarships to students and connects them with industry figures through design competitions and Graduate Preview Day, which takes place each year.