Fashion Awards 2025: Meet the Exciting First Nominees

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled the nominees for several key categories at The Fashion Awards 2025, including Designer of the Year, British Womenswear Designer, British Menswear Designer, and the Vanguard Award.

This prestigious event is set for December 1 at The Royal Albert Hall in London, celebrating both British and international fashion talents. Additionally, it aims to support the BFC Foundation, which focuses on education, grant-giving, and mentoring within the British fashion sector.

Exciting Nominees for Designer of the Year

Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson has been nominated for Designer of the Year once again. Notably, he’s held this title for the last two years, and this year, he’s recognized for his JW Anderson brand as well as his recent appointment as creative director at Dior, the renowned French luxury fashion house.

Facing a hefty lineup of contenders, he will compete against Glenn Martens for Diesel and Maison Margiela, Martine Rose, Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu, Rick Owens, and Willy Chavarria. Each of these designers is acknowledged for their “innovative collections” that have significantly impacted the global fashion landscape.

Will Anderson Achieve a Third Win?

For the British Womenswear Designer of the Year category, last year’s winner Simone Rocha stands in contention with Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault for Knwls, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena, Erdem Moralıoğlu for Erdem, and Sarah Burton for Givenchy. Each nominee represents a remarkable level of innovation in the international womenswear arena.

In the fiercely contested category of British Menswear Designer of the Year, Grace Wales Bonner, last year’s recipient, will face Craig Green, Foday Dumbuya for Labrum London, Kiko Kostadinov, Nicholas Daley, Stefan Cooke, and Jake Burt for Stefan Cooke, making this one of the most competitive awards of the evening.

Introducing the Vanguard Award Nominees

The BFC has also provided details on the nominees for the Vanguard Award, designed to honor designers who embody “visionary creativity, cultural leadership, and global influence while shaping the future of fashion.” The nominees this year include Aaron Esh, Dilara Fındıkoğlu, Feben, Steve O Smith, Tolu Coker, and Torishéju Dumi for Torishéju.

A jury of 19 esteemed critics, editors, and buyers selected the shortlist of nominees, which will now be presented to a voting committee of key industry professionals. The winners will be announced during the gala event in December.

Acknowledging Excellence Across the Board

The Fashion Awards will also celebrate achievements in accessories, model performances, and leaders of change within the industry. Additionally, the BFC has revealed that Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions, adeptly merging luxury and responsible business practices.