The Fashion Awards Taught Us A Lot About Waist-Up Party Dressing

As the most glamorous and celebratory night on fashion's calendar, the oohing-and-ahhing over outfits is always a highlight of the Fashion Awards. But with the physical ceremony cancelled due to coronavirus, this year there was no red carpet winding its way up the steps at the Royal Albert Hall. Instead, winners, presenters and industry insiders got dressed up at home, posting the results on Instagram, as they tuned in to watch the video premiere at 7pm. What unfolded on social media, naturally, was a lesson in joyous waist-up dressing, just in time for the festive season when, restricted by how many households can gather over the five-day break, you might find yourself on one or two video calls that call for a jazzier outfit than a sweatshirt and apron. Leading the glam squad was Priyanka Chopra, one of the virtual presenters, who chose a black-and-white blazer by Kaushik Velendra, the Indian designer whose sculptural designs, achieved using felt 'moulds', are breathing new life into tailoring.

'One of my priorities as the BFC Ambassador for Positive Change is to celebrate the extraordinary talent of South Asian designers,' she wrote on Instagram. 'Tonight I’m wearing @kaushik_velendra, a South Asian born designer who is breaking stereotypes, pushing for more sustainable fashion, and changing the way South Asians in the industry are perceived. Not to mention, he opens up his studio space in London to South Asian design students who are struggling to find a place to create.' Alexa Chung, meanwhile, is also a member of a more-is-more school of thought when it comes to waist-up dressing, sparkling the night away in Christopher Kane. Rosalia, another presenter, went full red carpet mode, wearing a larger-than-life gown by Iris Van Herpen. It might be a little much for a quiet turkey dinner, but doesn't this year deserve something stellar? We think so.