One of the most highly-anticipated events of the year, The Fashion Awards 2021 will be presented by the inimitable Billy Porter
Lead image courtesy of Billy Porter
It’s the biggest event in the UK’s style calendar, and this year it is returning with the electric presence of Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor and activist, Billy Porter.
Founded in 1984 and synonymous with spotlighting the most trailblazing talent in the industry, this year’s awards – presented by TikTok – will continue to raise funds for the BFC Foundation, which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on talent, education, grant-giving and business mentoring. The non-profit organisation aims to improve equality and opportunity so that the fashion industry remains diverse and open to all, helping talented designers at all stages of their career from school level through to becoming a global fashion brand.
In the business for more than three decades and known for his performances on Broadway and as Pray Tell in hit series Pose – and also a singer, director, composer and playwright – Porter is renowned for his unique style, statement red carpet looks and his use of fashion as a means of expression and communication.
Part of the All Our Stories collection by Bethany Williams, one of the 2021 nominees for the BFC Foundation Award for emerging designer talent. Image: Christina Ebenezer on londonfashionweek.co.uk
Porter released his first literary project, Unprotected, in October 2021, an autobiography about race, sexuality, art, and healing. In 2017, he was the recipient of the GLAAD Vito Russo Award, an award presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.
This year’s nominees for ‘Designer of the Year’ include Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta, Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga, Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson and LOEWE, Kim Jones for Dior Men and Fendi and Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons for Prada. The nominees for the BFC Foundation Award for emerging designer talent are Bethany Williams, Bianca Saunders, Nensi Dojaka, Priya Ahluwalia and Richard Quinn.
Awards will also be presented on the night to ’15 Leaders of Change’, featuring designers, brands, creatives and individuals who have created positive change within the fashion industry this past year.
The Fashion Awards 2021 will take place on Monday 29th November at the Royal Albert Hall, London. General tickets for The Fashion Awards 2021 presented by TikTok are available here.
