Christopher Kane has been named womenswear designer of the year at the UK fashion industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony.
He was presented with his gong at the British fashion awards by Donatella Versace, who has been instrumental in developing his talent.
In 2006, the London-based designer turned down a job at her Italian label in favour of launching his own label on graduating from Central Saint Martins. But between 2009 and 2012 Kane produced collections for Versus, the sister line of Versace, in addition to his own label.
The win for the 31-year-old celebrates an innovative design talent and recognises his part in transforming the reputation of London fashion week. His collections are the highlight of the capital’s fashion week, attracting international interest — and in turn business — for the biannual event. Kane was nominated for the same award last year.
The 2013 British fashion awards (BFA) introduced a new prize for international designer of the year, which was won on Monday night by Miuccia Prada, who many in the industry admit sets the agenda each season.
The Milanese designer has been named in Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people of the 20th century, and her design peers freely cite her as an influence.
Marc Jacobs, the US designer who was also nominated for the award, is known to wear Prada’s womenswear designs and to dash straight from his catwalk shows to sit in the front row at hers.
Jacobs presented Kate Moss with a special recognition award during the ceremony at the London Coliseum, to celebrate the model’s 25-year career. He paid tribute to the “most perfectly imperfect girl I have ever seen,” describing Moss as “bold, talented, dynamic and fearless”.
It was also a successful night for Burberry. The label added two BFA gongs to its collection for designer brand and menswear designer of the year.
Burberry’s Christopher Bailey will soon be able to claim the title of busiest man in fashion when he takes over as chief executive from Angela Ahrendts, who is moving to a role at Apple.
From mid 2014, he will be responsible both for the brand’s business and creative direction.
JW Anderson was named new establishment designer, an award which seeks to applaud those on their journey from unique London talent to international status. His uncompromising vision — which includes design curveballs such as halternecks for men — led to him being appointed this year to the post of creative director at Spanish leather goods brand Loewe.
Nicholas Kirkwood was crowned accessory designer of the year for the third year running. The show designer’s label recently gained investment from luxury goods group LVMH and is stocked by more than 150 retailers worldwide.
Harry Styles, from the band One Direction, won the Vodafone British style award, which is voted for by the public and recognises an individual who both embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for fashion.
He received his prize from Alexa Chung who won the award for the past three years.
The winners in full:
Emerging womenswear designer: Simone Rocha
Emerging accessories designer” Sophia Webster
Emerging menswear designer” Agi & Sam
Isabella Blow award for fashion creator: Lady (Amanda) Harlech
Model of the year: Edie Campbell
Red carpet designer of the year: Erdem
New establishment designer: JW Anderson
Brand of the year: Burberry
British style: Harry Styles
Outstanding achievement in fashion Terry and Tricia Jones
International designer of year: Prada
Accessory designer of the year: Nicholas Kirkwood
Menswear designer of the year: Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Womenswear designer of the year: Christopher Kane
Special recognition awards: Kate Moss and Suzy Menkes
