One of British fashion’s most influential ready-to-wear creators, Phoebe Philo won Designer of the Year 2010 at the British Fashion Awards in London last night (Dec 7).

A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Philo worked alongside best friend Stella McCartney at Chloé from 2001-2006, eventually becoming Creative Director of the brand and injecting some seriously needed ‘cool’ – by introducing women to babydoll tunic dresses worn with heavy-heeled wedges (undercutting any element of the girlie girlie); high-waisted jeans which brought sexy back, military jackets which made outerwear ‘In’wear and must-have ‘It’ bags like the padlocked Paddington which came with a waiting list from here to outer space….and beyond.

The revival by Philo presented a quintessentially London-girl, inspired by a vintage aesthetic; something which resonated way beyond the catwalk; to make Chloe one of the most sought after luxury labels in modern fashion; a staple of every celebrity wardrobe and one of the most copied designer labels on the high street (Topshop is its more affordable little sister. Natch).

Hailed as the ‘Queen of New Minimalism’, Philo has now been at the helm of French fashion house Céline for two years, with a client list that includes Victoria Beckham, Kate Bosworth, Juliette Binoche and Katie Holmes.

Other winners at the BFA’s included Alexa Chung, who received the British Style award and supermodel Naomi Campbell who took the Special Recognition trophy to mark her 25 year-career as a professional pouter, to which she said of the accolade:

“I’m so old. I’m honoured to be here, I’m very proud. Normally modelling lasts for about 11 years so it’s great.”

Mulberry received the Designer Brand award (we HEART), and Burberry (we also HEART) received the special award for Digital Innovation; naturally for going one step ahead of the 2-D live streaming concept which so many designers have now tapped into (bringing the catwalk into people’s homes) by going 3-D for their A/W’ 10 show.

Also proud of his gong last night, was Brit born (with Japanese/Italian heritage), Nicola Formichetti who beat photographers Nick Knight and Rankin to receive the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator.

Formichetti previously worked for Dazed & Confused and is now head stylist at Haus of Gaga (yes, Lady LaLa’s design collective) and is also fashion director of Vogue Hommes Japan, contributing editor of V Magazine, Creative Director for Thierry Mugler and works for various brands including Alexander McQueen, Prada, D&G, Adidas, Nike and Levis. So you see, he’s quite busy.

And last, but certainly not least, Alexander McQueen was posthumously given the Outstanding Achievement award at last night’s event; via a film featuring the designer’s key pieces and shows, made by Nick Knight and styled by Edward Enninful; set to a soundtrack by Björk, which opened the ceremony.

McQueen died in February and was previously crowned British designer of the year four times. You can watch the video tribute to fashion’s genius of tailoring and the avant-garde here.

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