By Stephanie Dawkins, Editor in Chief

The British Fashion Awards recognizes creativity and innovation in fashion, celebrating exceptional individuals whose imagination and creativity have broken new ground in fashion globally over the past 12 months, and the brands and businesses that have transformed the possibilities of fashion today.

Rihanna Owned The Night

Change was a theme also reflected in the winner of the Urban Luxe category: Fenty, Rihanna’s namesake label, which threw the rule book out the window when it launched in May. Not only does it represent the first major brand LVMH has founded from scratch, it’s the first Maison helmed by a black woman. “Personally, for me as an immigrant moving to America; that’s a big journey for me to even get here to Paris. And that’s something I celebrate and embrace,” Rihanna told Vogue at the time. Since then, she’s kept us on our toes with product drops every six to eight weeks, each telling another chapter of her story. The best part? Everyone is invited on the journey. The collection is diverse, size-inclusive and price-conscious in a competitive market. “I really appreciate that LVMH is flexible enough to allow me to have a different perspective on how I want to [do] things,” she said of her financial backer.

Model of The Year

Model of the Year Adut Akech has been a trailblazer from day one, calling out racism that still slips through the cracks, and converting her personal success story into a parable for refugees. The South Sudanese-Australian beauty covered seven Vogues this year and five September issues, but she’s also on a mission to finish school (a promise to her mother) and to support the beautiful women of her homeland, who don’t have the resources to make it in the fashion industry. “I don’t want to be known as ‘Adut, the model’, I want to be known as someone who made a positive impact,” she told Vogue in the September Forces for Change issue, which she fronted with 14 other inspirational women. “It’s an honor to be used as an example of what diversity looks like [but] I want to be more involved with charities that are changing people’s lives.”

Special Recognition Awards

Among the Special Recognition Awards, Naomi Campbell was officially recognized as a fashion icon, Sarah Burton was heralded as an industry trailblazer, Giorgio Armani was honored for his outstanding achievements, and Christopher Kane was dubbed the designer’s designer during a night that shone a spotlight on excellence and innovation, but also the energy taking fashion forward into a new decade.

2019 Editor’s Pick Best Dress List

Austrian model Nadine Leopold sets the tone in a high-octane, two-tone gown

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Rihanna

No one works a red carpet quite like musician-turned-beauty-mogul-turned-fashion-designer, Rihanna. Despite launching a matter of months ago, her phenomenally successful label Fenty is up for the Urban Luxe award – the perfect excuse for the genre-defying star to step out in her sought-after designs. Finishing her satin mini dress with chic evening gloves, satin pumps and a liberal helping of diamonds, she makes the case for hi/lo dressing on the red carpet.

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Adesuwa Aighewi

Model of the year nominee and former PORTER cover star Adesuwa Aighewi is known for her fearless approach to fashion, and this evening look is no exception. From the plunging neckline – one of next season’s biggest trends – to the feathered details and Messika jewelry, she proves that sumptuous black velvet can be a bold choice.

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Roksanda Ilinčić

The ultimate poster women for her cult label, Roksanda Ilinčić – one of the nominees for this year’s inaugural Designers’ Designer Award – wore a fantastical tiered dress of her own creation.

Adut Akech

Standing out in a sea of muted shades, model Adut Akech stuns in a voluminous emerald green gown by Valentino. She lets the supersized bow do the talking and keeps the rest of her look pared-back, with pointed pumps and drop earrings.

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Naomi Campbell

Legendary model and recipient of this year’s Fashion Icon award, Naomi Campbell champions homegrown talent in an ornate beaded gown courtesy of Alexander McQueen – and the result is truly sublime.

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Emilia Clarke

Game of Thrones fans will know her as the Mother of Dragons, but tonight Emilia Clarke went for high-octane glamour in a canary-yellow Schiaparelli gown, complete with sequins and plumage, and dazzling yellow diamonds by jeweler Moussaieff to match.

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Halima Aden

Somali-American model Halima Aden brings some joy to the red carpet in the form of a frothy pink gown by Preen By Thornton Bregazzi – complete with co-ordinating accessories and that mega-watt smile.

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Julia Roberts

Jaws hit the floor when Giorgio Armani arrived to receive his Outstanding Achievement award accompanied by Hollywood icon Julia Roberts, who wore a sophisticated black sequin jumpsuit by…Armani, of course.

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Mica Argañaraz

Argentinian model and artist Mica Argañaraz hits the sweet spot between effortless and elegant in a romantic, button-down dress by Jacquemus, while her graphic vanity case keeps her outfit fresh and fun.

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Cate Blanchett

Arriving on the arm of Giorgio Armani (the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Achievement award), Hollywood legend Cate Blanchett stunned in an exquisitely crafted couture gown designed by the man himself.

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Naomi Watts

Actor and producer Naomi Watts brings some silver-screen elegance to the proceedings in a chic off-the-shoulder gown in sumptuous black velvet by Burberry; finished with statement earrings and a sweep of red lipstick, she looks every inch the Hollywood goddess she is.

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Alexa Chung

The Presenter, designer, and all-round Renaissance woman flexes her sartorial prowess in a shimmering monochrome look. The shirt cuff and collars put a playful spin on her sequined dress, while her signature cat-eye liner imbues her outfit with French-girl cool.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Perennially chic model and entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has the midas touch when it comes to styling, quite literally in the case of this stunning chainmail gown. Ever the sartorial alchemist, she keeps the look modern with a simple gilt clutch bag and pared-back beauty.

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Irina Shayk

The impossibly glamorous Irina Shayk is a pro when it comes to red-carpet dressing – and this faultless Burberry look is no exception.

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Zara Larsson

The Swedish pop sensation takes party dressing to another level in a mood-enhancing sequined dress, matching earrings and ’60s-inspired glam.

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Giorgia Tordini

Lime green might not be the obvious choice when it comes to after-dark dressing, but Attico co-founder Giorgia Tordini proves it’s a risk worth taking in this minimalist gown, striking the perfect balance between subtle and statement.

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Sara Sampaio

Portuguese model Sara Sampaio makes a strong case for ladylike dressing in a beautifully embellished nude gown by Armani Privé – and looks utterly enchanting.

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Tracee Ellis Ross

Host for the night Tracee Ellis Ross makes a dramatic entrance in a diaphanous white gown by Loewe and a maximalist necklace – we wouldn’t expect anything less from this avant-garde fashion fan.