Stella McCartney Takes Top Fashion Award in London

Stella McCartney is Britain’s top fashion designer this year, or so say the judges at the British Fashion Awards last night in London. Ms. McCartney won top honors at the stylish celebration, held at Lawrence Hall in Westminster, but she had plenty of company in the evening’s other winners. This year also marked the first year that the Isabella Blow award for best fashion creator was bestowed; it is named, of course, for the mesmerizing English fashion muse who committed suicide last spring at the age of 48. Michael Howells was the recipient of that award, which was presented by Philip Treacy, the famed how-the-hell-does-that-thing-stay-on hat designer, and Ms. Blow’s widower, Detmar Blow, an art dealer. Mr. Howells is best known for the backdrops he creates for John Galliano and Christian Dior runway shows.

Herewith, the rundown of winners as reported by WWD:

• Anya Hindmarch—design brand
• Christopher Baily, of Burberry—men’s wear designer
• Marchesa—red-carpet design
• Tom Binns, jewelry maker—accessory designer
• Dame Vivian Westwood—outstanding achievement in fashion design
• Christopher Kane—new designer of the year

Additionally, Erdem Moralioglu garnered the Swarovski-sponsored British Fashion Council Fashion Enterprise Award, pocketing some $100,000 for his eponymous label.