J W Anderson wins Designer of the Year at last night's fashion awards

By Meg Pirie

Last night J W Anderson took home ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the British Fashion Council ‘Fashion Awards 2023.’

The first time J W Anderson came onto my radar was almost 7 years ago – while flicking through a British Vogue magazine, whilst lying on a beach in the middle of nowhere, somewhere on the island of Samoa.

There was something visceral about seeing his namesake gold-plated logo – which combines his initials JW and an anchor – on a classic handbag shape with the option of both a gold chain and shorter leather handle. It appeared both luxe and edgy and something that stirred a next-level aspiration in me.

I was living overseas at the time, but something which took me on a mecca-like 11,000 or so mile excursion to Shoreditch in London, where I had reserved my bag. I left feeling never more sure of a purchase and have since loved that bag every day.

Since then, Anderson has not disappointed. Offering luxe and light-hearted pieces which go beyond the idea of a binary dichotomy and instead an advocation of clothing as a choice for all.

Whether the ever-evolving design power Anderson holds as Creative Director at Loewe or his viral light-hearted collections at his namesake label (think SATC viral pigeon clutch), Anderson has continued to push the limits of what’s possible in fashion and has brought back a little joy and magic in the process.

Of course Anderson wasn’t the only one to take home an award last night, Sarah Burton who took on the mantle after Alexander McQueen passed, was honoured with a special achievement award for her 13 years as Creative Director. She has left a very large gap in the role of women as Creative Directors in the fashion sector.

Sarah Mower was also awarded a special recognition award for championing young designer talent. Her dedication to New Gen talent in all forms has been game-changing for so many and something which Anderson acknowledged in his speech.

Finally, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful OBE, received the Trailblazer Award for his contribution to the fashion industry.

Karen Binns, our Fashion Director said:

"Big congratulations to Sarah Mower for finally getting her flowers for all her years of work that she has done to keep the young designers coming out of London every single year. Her support, there is no price you can put on that.

“Big congratulations to Edward Enninful and his flowers, this is what keeps the UK in the game, this is what we need to keep alive because we all know how much the fashion industry makes for the UK economy."

Tamara Cincik, our CEO said:

“Sarah Mower has been loyal since Fashion Roundtable’s inception, coming to our first talks and supporting our work on creative education. I introduced her to Karen Binns, our Fashion Director who is now a New Gen Judge ensuring that diverse voices are given a well deserved and overdue seat at the table."

To find out more about last night’s winner’s below.