Derry fashion designer Jonathan Anderson took home the top prize at the 2025 British Fashion Awards, which took place in London's Royal Albert Hall on Monday, 1 December.
Anderson took home the coveted prize of 'Designer of the Year' for the third consecutive year, thanks to his work at both JW Anderson and the prestigious fashion house Dior, where he made his debut as Creative Director earlier this year.
Taking to the stage in a dapper suit jacket with bright green shamrock embellishments, Anderson delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech.
"It's been a crazy year for me," the Magherafelt native stated. "I would never be on this stage without the British Fashion Council because I think they leave space for people to be whoever they want to be instead of a business. You can fail. I think without the British Fashion Council, I wouldn't be where I am today," he said in his acceptance speech.
"I have to thank my parents, my family, who put up with me because I'm never there," he continued, smiling.
"And I want to say a massive thank you to Delphine Arnault [CEO of Christian Dior], who has believed in me from way, way, way back. To be able to work with you is... it's really fun. I love being at House of Dior because it's a massive challenge and I love doing it with you."
"I have to thank Benjamin Bruno, who is, first of all, my best friend. He is someone who has been with me from the very beginning, and I would definitely not be on this stage without him."
"And for every single team that works... I am only... I am the showgirl up here," he joked. "There is an entire team of thousands of people who work in both companies, and I can't do it without them."
Presented by Pandora, the awards are an annual celebration of excellence in creativity, working to support generations of talent within the fashion industry.
This year's ceremony attracted a star-studded red carpet, including Irish stars Nicola Coughlan, Laura Whitmore and Maura Higgins. See the red carpet gallery here.
