Inside the British Fashion Awards: What Our Mentees Had to Say

For our mentees, attending the British Fashion Awards 2024 was a surreal experience—one that made their ambitions feel more real than ever. Held at the Royal Albert Hall, the night was a mix of big industry moments and personal highlights. From watching Tom Ford receive the Outstanding Achievement Award to when Priya Ahluwalia addressed the students in the hall, reminding them that just five years ago, she was in their place.

It was a message that resonated deeply with our mentees, reinforcing that their own journeys in fashion are just beginning. Beyond the glitz, this night was about possibility—about seeing what’s achievable and feeling part of the industry they aspire to be in. Here’s what they took away from the experience.

Kirsten Gair 

What was the most inspiring moment?

It was moving to see Tom Ford win outstanding achievement award, as someone who currently works in costume in the film industry but still aspires to also work in fashion it is especially inspiring to see a designer have multiple creative careers and outlets to express their creative visions. 

Was there a particular award or winner that you felt was especially well-deserved? Why?

Seeing Simone Rocha win British Womenswear Designer of the Year felt incredibly well-deserved. She’s one of my favourite designers, and I deeply admire her work. Her designs have such a distinct identity that you instantly know it’s hers, even without seeing her name attached. It was inspiring to see her talent and vision recognised on such a big stage.

What was your favourite part of the evening?

It’s hard to pick just one standout moment from such an incredible event, but watching designers I’ve admired since my university days take the stage and share their journeys was especially inspiring. Their speeches were a reminder of how far passion and dedication can take you, and it left me feeling more motivated than ever. I hope that one day, I can have that same impact on others.

Marjona Matlyubova 

What was the most inspiring moment?

When I saw Anna and Tom Ford together on stage, it felt like a dream come true. Being in the same room with my childhood icons—an experience I had only imagined. The Royal Albert Hall may be grand, but in that moment, it felt intimate.
 

Was there a particular award or winner that you felt was especially well-deserved and why?

I really enjoyed seeing the new establishment award winners — it’s inspiring to see younger designers making their mark. Additionally, witnessing Alex Consani win Model of the Year as the first transgender recipient of the award was a powerful moment.
 

What was your favourite part of the evening?
When Priya Ahluwalia looked up at the upper tiers during her speech and addressed students, “Five years ago, I was sitting up there, and today I’m here,” it really stood out to me.

Angel Aden

What was the most inspiring moment?

The atmosphere in the top section was exhilarating, being surrounded by young designers and fashion students who will be the future of fashion has truly cemented how deeply I want to be in the fashion industry.

Was there a particular award or winner that you felt was especially well-deserved? Why?

Tom Ford winning the outstanding Achievement Award was very moving, watching his body of work throughout the eras and seeing him transition from different types of art (fashion to film) demonstrates how fashion transcendences beyond the catwalk. 

What was your favourite part of the evening?

My favourite moment was seeing Rihanna’s and Asap rocky sitting in the VIP section.