FASHION
The Fashion Awards 2025 Key Moments
An Evening of Balletcore, Leading Voices and Innovation
BY VANESA KRIZONYTE
The annual Fashion Awards ceremony returned to the Royal Albert Hall, spotlighting the cultural power of fashion, its most iconic moments, and the visionary talents that push boundaries and redefine the industry. Observing the evening from red carpet arrivals to performances and outfit details, we felt the celebration of 2025 trends. This report will highlight the standout moments and the most glamorous styles.
Chanel Honoured with a Special Recognition Award
Chanel worked with the V&A and English National Ballet to celebrate 100 years of Chanel in the United Kingdom, bringing their heritage to life. The evening opened with a classical ballet performance set against Picasso’s Le Train Bleu backdrop, the largest painting of his career. It was a rare opportunity to see an art masterwork featured on stage during fashion’s most important night.
This collaboration further celebrated the balletcore trend of blending elegance, such as bows and ballet flats. Recently, the blend of ballet artistry with modern design featured in the Reiss x Royal Ballet launch. An attribute to a versatile palette honouring The Royal Ballet’s heritage. This type of romantic unity with fashion dominated within arrivals at the hall, with Lily Allen walking the stairs in Mary Antoinette-inspired bow shoes, Sunday Rose Kidman-Urban in a blue silk Dior dress with a hint of grey tulle and Rooney Mara in a pale peach mini-dress from Givenchy with black square-toed ballet flats. David Gandy in a shirt fitted with an oversized bow tie and Maya Jama’s dress by Ludovic de Saint Sernin decorated with a dramatic bow finish.
Astonishing Trophy Design
The trophy design was by Alexander Young, a botanical set designer and visual artist. Crafted in a bloomed calla lily-shaped structure with spiral growth from the base. Inspired by the Pandora Essence collection, the form is composed of resin and a base of 100% recycled Pandora silver. This floral gift of nature signifies timeless elegance and true devotion. A standout moment came when Brunello Cucinelli was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award, holding the sculptural trophy as a mark of Italian luxury craftsmanship.
Where Is My Husband and Cry Me A River
Raye delivered powerful performances of her viral hit songs Where Is My Husband and Cry Me a River. Dressed by Ferrari in a silver off-the-shoulder bodice and silk skirt with a draped waist, she not only blessed the hall with a beautiful voice but made a fashion statement. Following her recent achievements, including the record-breaking six Brit Awards last year and her iconic Vogue debut in October 2025, her voice was an enrichment to the ceremony.
The Peninsula Hotel Departures
The Peninsula Hotel is known for blending heritage, glamour, innovation, and quality. This year, The Peninsula Hotel sponsored the awards and hospitality to an array of celebrities including Maura Higgins, Ashley Graham, Ed Westwick, and Amy Jackson. The hotel demonstrated how hotel spaces can act as crossroads for fashion communities. Under one roof, designers, celebrities, industry insiders exchanged ideas and style perspectives.
AGRO Studio on Red-Carpet
The Fashion Awards 2025, Red Carpet, Eve Lily Parsley. Photo credits: Emily White, British Fashion Council.
Earlier this year, AGRO Studio staged the Prophet fashion show. Designers George and Angus incorporated fur, Vivienne Westwood–inspired corsets, Parisian motifs, leather, and glimpses of yellow. At The Fashion Awards, Eve Lily Parsley arrived in a magnificent yellow ball gown. As designers George and Angus noted, the collection is for fearless and playful wearers.
Anok Yai wins Model of the Year
In a single year, Anok Yai’s coverage spanned from opening for Ferragamo and Hugo Boss to closing for Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Vetements. Having walked for major houses such as Mugler, Yves Saint Laurent, Victoria’s Secret, and Bottega Veneta, it is without surprise that the evening praised her talents and warmth with the Model of the Year award. For the special evening, Anok Yai looked astonishing in a Dilara Findikoglu dress, another balletcore look featuring a draped silhouette with bow finishings. On stage, her acceptance speech became a memorable moment:
“ To all my little black girls who are watching me right now, your colour is not a curse. You are not a trend. You are not unfortunate. You are worthy, you are capable, and you are more powerful than you can imagine.”
Personal Notes
Across performances, presentations, and red carpet moments the evening captured defining trends and cultural spirit of 2025. Celebrity guests carried this season’s runway looks and the balletcore trend. Raye’s vocals filled the hall, leading figures were honoured for innovation, and every award hinted at the future fashion elements to arrive next year.
Thank you to Purple PR for Press Accreditation and access to Imagery Rights. Published December, 2025.
