The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled the shortlist for the 2025 Fashion Awards, which will return to London’s Royal Albert Hall on December 1. Backed by Pandora and led by the BFC’s new chief executive Laura Weir, the event aims to shine a light on established creative powerhouses while elevating the next wave of designers shaping the industry’s future.
Designer of the Year: Global Heavyweights
The headline category gathers some of fashion’s most influential names, each recognised for redefining modern style. Among the contenders are:
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Glenn Martens, celebrated for his transformative work at Diesel and Maison Margiela
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Jonathan Anderson, who continues to push boundaries at both JW Anderson and Loewe (and last year’s winner)
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Martine Rose, known for her innovative menswear and street-inflected tailoring
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Miuccia Prada, whose influence spans Prada and Miu Miu
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Rick Owens, a master of avant-garde design
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Willy Chavarria, praised for bringing bold cultural narratives into fashion
British Womenswear: The Strength of UK Design
This category highlights designers driving forward the creativity of British womenswear, including:
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Simone Rocha, whose romantic yet modern designs remain globally influential
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Sarah Burton, now leading Givenchy after her departure from Alexander McQueen
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Erdem Moralıoğlu, blending historical references with contemporary flair
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Chopova Lowena (Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena), bringing eclecticism and craft to modern wardrobes
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Knwls (Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault), known for their daring, body-conscious approach
British Menswear: Defining Masculinity
The shortlist reflects the richness of UK menswear design:
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Craig Green, acclaimed for his architectural approach to garments
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Grace Wales Bonner, blending tailoring with cultural storytelling
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Kiko Kostadinov, admired for his technical, innovative aesthetic
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Foday Dumbuya of Labrum London, merging West African heritage with British style
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Nicholas Daley, celebrated for community-driven craft and design
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Stefan Cooke & Jake Burt, who reinterpret classic menswear codes with playfulness
The Vanguard Award: Spotlight on Rising Stars
In a new move, the BFC has introduced the Vanguard Award, designed to highlight designers who are not only creative leaders but also cultural trailblazers. The inaugural nominees include:
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Aaron Esh
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Dilara Fındıkoğlu
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Feben
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Steve O Smith
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Tolu Coker
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Torishéju Dumi
What the 2025 Awards Represent
This year’s lineup shows fashion at a crossroads — where heritage names continue to command influence, but a new generation is stepping confidently into the spotlight. The Vanguard Award signals a clear commitment to nurturing fresh perspectives, while categories across womenswear and menswear reflect the UK’s role as a hub for experimentation and boundary-pushing style.
Beyond celebration, the Awards continue to serve a philanthropic mission: ticket sales and sponsorship will fund the BFC Foundation, supporting scholarships, emerging designer grants, and business mentoring for the next generation of talent.
Looking Ahead
As December approaches, anticipation builds for what is widely considered fashion’s equivalent of the Oscars. Whether it’s the legacy of Rick Owens, the sharp innovation of Jonathan Anderson, or the fresh energy of Aaron Esh and Torishéju Dumi, the 2025 Fashion Awards are poised to capture the state of the industry — one that thrives on the dialogue between tradition and reinvention.
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