Sam Smith cut a stylish figure as they graced the British Fashion Awards red carpet at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Monday.
The non-binary singer, 31, put on a very leggy display in a thigh skimming black mini skirt and towering Vivienne Westwood platform boots.
Sam, who was later honoured with the Cultural Innovator Award, completed the ensemble with chic blazer which boasted dramatic shoulder pads and statement buttons.
The Cultural Innovator Award honours figures in the entertainment industry who have created viral fashion moments, like Sam’s unforgettable latex clad appearance at the 2023 Brit Awards.
This years ceremony is going back to gender-based awards, splitting British designers into menswear and womenswear categories.
Sam Smith, 31, cut a stylish figure as they graced the British Fashion Awards red carpet at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Monday
The non-binary singer put on a very leggy display in a thigh skimming black mini skirt and towering Vivienne Westwood platform heels
It comes after Sam was one of the first musicians to call for the BRIT Awards to be ‘reflective’ resulting in organisers making it the first major UK music event to abolish gendered categories.
Music industry chiefs faced a backlash when they scrapped the Best Female and Best Male categories in a bid to be inclusive and relevant after non-binary musicians including Sam, who identifies as neither male nor female, said they felt excluded.
The first gender-neutral award was handed to Adele in 2022, but in her acceptance speech she pointedly told the audience: ‘I love being a woman.’
It is understood she also voiced her dismay after when this year’s shortlist was revealed to contain only men.
Now 2024’s ceremony will see the genderless category for Best Artist expanded from five nominations to 10 following the backlash.
A-listers such as Kate Moss, Amal Clooney and Gwyneth Paltrow walked the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards 2023.
The event, presented by jewellery brand Pandora returned to the iconic London venue, the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening.
The evening, hosted by British broadcaster Maya Jama and musical artist Kojey Radical, celebrated 16 awards. TFA nominees and winners are voted for by an international judging panel made up of over 1000 industry experts.
Sam, who was later honoured with the Cultural Innovator Award at the event, completed the ensemble with chic blazer which boasted dramatic shoulder pads and statement buttons
The Cultural Innovator Award honours figures in the entertainment industry who have created viral fashion moments
Sam is known for their unique sense of style including their latex clad appearance at the 2023 Brit Awards
The event serves as the main fundraiser for the BFC Foundation. which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry through its focus on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring.
The BFC also went back to having some gender-based design awards for the first time since the pandemic, splitting the best British designers into menswear and womenswear categories.
Leading industry figures were recognised such as Valentino Garavani with the Outstanding Achievement award, make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury with the Special Recognition Award, and the late Joe Casely-Hayford with a posthumous special recognition award.
Sam Smith accepted the Cultural Innovator trophy as they were honoured for creating viral fashion moments, such as their unforgettable latex clad appearance at the 2023 Brit Awards.
Speaking about Sam’s award Caroline Rush, chief executive officer at the British Fashion Council, said Sam was is ‘a true cultural innovator who has fearlessly pushed the boundaries of both fashion and entertainment.
Sam later wore a voluminous taffeta dress with puffed shoulders to accept their award
The hitmaker beamed as they posed with the glass trophy
‘Smith’s unapologetic and groundbreaking style choices have dominated the industry in 2023 and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support of U.K. designers.’
The awards ceremony kicked off in style, with global superstar Usher welcoming the audience of leading designers, artists, creatives, and tastemakers for a night celebrating the global fashion community, asking ‘How does fashion make you feel?’.
The evening started with METTE’s Pandora performance, followed with a performance from Cultural Innovator Award winner Sam Smith and ended with a DJ set by Skepta at the afterparty.
The British fashion industry paid tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood and her fearless approach to design and activism and recognised Joe Casely-Hayford with a posthumous Special Recognition Award for his incredible contributions to fashion and culture.
Each winner received a unique trophy designed by stylist, art director and 2022 NEW WAVE: Creative in collaboration with British glass production company.
