In the industry’s overstuffed, relentless calendar, what makes the Fashion Awards special is the freedom it allows its guests when walking the red carpet. While other flagship events might veer into the costumey, the British Fashion Council’s annual bash sees attendees rise to the location, leaning into some off-kilter, London cool. It’s got all the spirit of those early Met Galas, when looks were less about TikTok virality and Instagram impressions. If the Met Gala is the celebrated but rule-bound institution, then the Fashion Awards is its slick and rebellious younger sibling, and this year guests were well aware of that sentiment.

Suits may have been rain-flecked and gowns a little sodden at the hem, but that only added to the sense of unbothered chic. Attendees took cues from London’s wet climes, with a colour palette veering towards greys, blacks, and monochromatic outfits. Joy Crookes arrived in an Aaron Esh grey halter mini, Lila Moss rocked up in a sheer silver Nensi Dajoka number, while Winnie Harlow came as art school Queen Victoria in a Richard Quinn mourning dress complete with dark, choppy mullet. Maximillian Davis – recipient of the  British Womenswear Designer Award – also won on the red carpet too, with Anok Yai, Michaela Coel and Model of the Year Paloma Elsesser all in standout Ferragamo creations. Elsewhere, Taylor Russell continued to take her Loewe ambassadorship very seriously in a floral-inspired breastplate, Lewis Hamilton shed his usual fluorescent kilts for an elegant Wales Bonner ensemble, while Charli XCX was let loose in the Gaultier archive.

But besides the clothes, the other element that allows the Fashion Awards to truly stand out is its inspired guest list. At what other event could Love Island contestants, Coronation Street stars and Rita Ora rub shoulders with Hollywood A-listers and fashion’s brightest stars? The awards might have dropped ‘British’ from its name in 2017, but that could never keep the huns at bay. Did Maya Jama ask Gwenyth Paltrow to do up her dress in the toilet? Did Valentino Garavani accidentally step on Amanda Holden’s gown? Maybe Rochelle from The Saturdays and Pamela Anderson bonded over a couple martinis? While we may never know the answers to those questions, what we’ll always remember is the best looks from London’s coolest night – click through the gallery above to see them all.

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