The Irish cleaned up at this year’s British Fashion Awards
Take a bow Simone Rocha and Jonathan Anderson.
The Irish really do have a penchant for showing up and showing out on the international stage. Music, film, fashion and design, awards and accolades are flowing in from every angle, and it’s a testament to the talent, determination, and authenticity being displayed across each discipline.
The latest source of Irish pride came in the form of not one, but two Irish designers winning big at this year’s British Fashion Awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday, December 2. The annual event is organised by the British Fashion Council, and from the star-studded red carpet to the renowned ceremony itself, the eyes of fashion enthusiasts across the globe were firmly trained on the event.
Spotlighting immense creative talent and recognising emerging talent and well-established names in the industry, the event also featured some incredible performances throughout the evening from Chloe and Halle Bailey, Debbie Harry and Wizkid.
At last year’s ceremony, Derry-born designer Jonathan Anderson won International Designer of the Year and kicked things up a notch this time around by taking home the title of Designer of the Year for his visionary work at both Loewe and his eponymous brand, JW Anderson, and his defining impact on the fashion industry as a whole.
The award was presented by fellow Irishman and Loewe brand ambassador Jamie Dornan, and when making his acceptance speech, Anderson said: “I love fashion. It makes me get out of bed every morning.”
This honour comes mere months after the designer was named among TIME Magazine’s people of the year. Safe to say, 2024 has been a very good year for one Mr Jonathan Anderson.
Simone Rocha was awarded the title of British Womenswear Designer of the Year in recognition of the Dublin-born designer’s innovation, creativity, and shaping of the international womenswear landscape. Presented by none other than the people’s princess, Nicola Coughlan, and the iconic Kelly Rutherford, Rocha used her time on stage to take a stand and make a point.
“With this award, I’d like to honour all the women and children who are displaced,” she said. “Free Palestine.”
Yes, the Irish certainly made a splash on stage, but those in attendance at the Royal Albert Hall also included Angela Scanlon and Laura Whitmore, and Irish design was sported by none other than Rihanna, who made her grand entrance in vintage Christian Lacroix couture, paired with Paula Rowan’s Monserrat 16-button black leather gloves. Clearly, a woman of taste.
The British Fashion Awards. TIME’s People of the Year. The Rolling Stone UK Awards. The Academy Awards. The Irish are performing at the top of their game across the board. What’s next?
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