After nearly two years of virtual events, digital fashion shows, and at-home drinks, we're finally getting back into the swing of fashion. Gucci just hosted a massive show (112 looks!) on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, pop-up stores are spreading across the world, and The Fashion Awards is returning.
Presented by the British Fashion Council, the awards will be hosted by Billy Porter, and will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Porter, who's been in the business for over 30 years, has become a style icon (remember his Met Gala look?) as well as a recognizable entertainer across Broadway, film, and television and uses his platform to support the Black LGBTQ+ community.
The upcoming Fashion Awards will be presented by TikTok, which has previously worked with the BFC at London Fashion Week earlier this year. Porter will be hosting, with names including Daniel Lee, Demna Gvasalia, Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada, Jonathan Anderson, and Kim Jones nominated for the prestigious Designer of the Year Award.
Speaking to Billy Porter ahead of the awards, the host tells us that he's excited to see all of the designers at the awards. When asked who he's the most excited to see, his answer was, all of them. "I love what fashion designers do. It’s a creative field that I can only admire from afar."
As to who's going to win the award? "I’m not singling anyone out. They are all brilliant. I think it’s anyone’s honor."
It goes without saying that Porter has built up a reputation for his bold sense of fashion, constantly bringing eye-catching looks to the red carpet. "I wear what I want, when I want, how I want… And I hope my example communicates that freedom, and thereby frees anybody who may be having second thoughts about anything they choose to wear."
"The evolution [of my style] is in the balance. The balance of both the masculine AND the feminine. It’s a deeper conversation than just simply a man showing up in a dress," he says.
It isn't just Porter's personal style that has evolved, the industry is slowly getting there, too. "The only direction fashion can go and still be relevant in any way is to: De-gender Fashion! Include ALL BODY TYPES in the high fashion space. THAT is the future — PERIOD! Anything else is bullshit."
With the Fashion Awards taking place on November 29, we're expecting to see memorable looks from fashion's elite (remember that iconic Rihanna FENTY look?) as well as something great from our host, Billy Porter. "[Hosting is] an affirmation that my vision for my life and career were always right! Even back when everyone was telling me my queerness would be my liability."
