It may come as no surprise that Victoria’s Secret model Bella Hadid won the title of model of the year at the 2022 British Fashion Awards in London. Unfortunately, the star of the evening couldn’t make it in person to receive the award, but the night was still one to remember. Here’s a glimpse into the glamorous occasion:
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Remember when Bella Hadid posed naked for the elegant figure-hugging white Coperni dress to be sprayed onto her during Paris Fashion Week, earlier this year? This iconic moment alone was enough to make fashion history, now the model’s raking in best of the year at the British Fashion Awards.
The event at the historic Royal Albert Hall, began with a pre-recorded year-round review video message by Christine Quinn from the Netflix hit show Selling Sunset. She said:
“New York is back, Paris is back, Milan is back,”
Viral runway moments from fashion houses over the years, including Bottega Veneta, Coperni, Tommy Hilfiger flashed across screens, according to reports by CNN Style.
And the nominees are…
Model and body activist Ashley Graham had the honour of announcing the nominees, and winner in the category of model of the year.
The nominees included some of the most beautiful models that have graced the catwalk, but their influence goes beyond that.
Adut Akech, Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, Quannah Chasinghorse, and Lila Moss were in the running for the title.
Just before announcing Hadid’s win, Graham said:
“Clothes are nothing until they are brought to life by the majestic craft of the model.”
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Bella Hadid’s absence
Due to Bella’s struggles with Lyme disease, she was unable to attend the ceremony and accept her award herself. Her stylist Carlos Nazario accepted the award on her behalf. He said “her body wouldn’t allow her.”
In a heartfelt video acceptance speech, she thanked her agent Luiz Mattos and her mother, Yolanda Hadid, saying:
“You all, my fashion family, were the ones who showed me who I could be and opened my eyes to the things I could do.”
She also acknowledges the other nominees, and regards the privilege to be mentioned alongside them:
“I want to share this award with all of the models who show up every single day and work hard with little or no recognition. I know it’s not easy and I see you. I am such a small part of a huge vision, and every person and every project is just as important as the next. This award is for all of us.”
She also dedicated the award to the children of her rooted heritage, Palestinian and Dutch:
“This is for the Palestinian children. This is for the Dutch children. This is for any child, immigrant or refugee.”
The British Fashion Awards categories and 2022 winners
The Fashion Awards 2022 presented by the British Fashion Council (BFC) were hosted by actress Jodie Turner-Smith. The full list of winners is as follows:
- Designer of the Year: Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino
- BFC Foundation Award: S.S. DALEY
- Independent British Brand: Wales Bonner
- Special Recognition Award for Cultural Curation: Jefferson Hack
- Leaders of Change – Creativity: Alessandro Michele, Daniel Roseberry, Harris Reed, Ibrahim Kamara, Raf Simons
- Leaders of Change – Environment: Bethany Williams, Connor Ives, Gabriela Hearst, Marine Serre, Priya Ahluwalia
- Leaders of Change – People: Aurora James, Harry Lambert, Julie Pelipas, Sinéad Burke, Rafael Pavarotti
- Model of the Year Award: Bella Hadid
- Outstanding Achievement Award: Yvon Chouinard
- Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Katie Grand
- Fashion Award for Metaverse World and Gaming Experience: Burberry
Bella’s sister, Gigi Hadid, won the title of model of the year in 2016. Sister, like sister.
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Featured Image: @bellahadid/Instagram
