The Fashion Awards 2026 Nominees Revealed: Matthieu Blazy, Sarah Burton and Simone Rocha Among Those Recognized

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the nominees for The Fashion Awards 2026, bringing together designers working across international fashion houses, independent labels and emerging British brands. Winners of the four newly announced categories will be revealed at the ceremony on November 30 at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The awards also serve a wider purpose for the British fashion industry. The event raises funds for the BFC Foundation, which supports creative talent through education, prizes and programs designed to help designers develop their businesses.

Summary

Six Names in the Running for Designer of the Year

Designer of the Year recognizes a British or international designer who has made an outstanding impact on the global fashion industry in 2026.

The six nominees are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford, Matthieu Blazy for Chanel, Michael Rider for Celine and Sarah Burton for Givenchy.

The category spans designers at established fashion houses and the founders of an independent label. It is one of four categories whose winners will be announced during the November ceremony.

Burton and Rocha Receive Nominations Across Categories

The British Womenswear Designer of the Year shortlist comprises Clare Waight Keller for Uniqlo, Erdem Moralıoğlu for Erdem, Louise Trotter for Bottega Veneta, Sarah Burton for Givenchy and Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha. Burton’s place on the list gives her a second nomination alongside Designer of the Year.

Rocha is also shortlisted for British Menswear Designer of the Year. She is joined by Foday Dumbuya for Labrum, Kiko Kostadinov for Kiko Kostadinov, Nick Wakeman for Studio Nicholson and Simon Holloway for Dunhill.

The two British designer categories recognize work in womenswear and menswear that has had a significant impact on the global fashion industry in 2026. Rocha’s nominations place her work in both conversations this year.

Vanguard Award Looks to the Future of British Fashion

The Vanguard Award recognizes a designer helping to shape a new wave in British fashion. Its 2026 nominees are Conner Ives, Ellie Misner, Steve O Smith and Tolu Coker.

Unlike the other announced categories, which focus on impact during 2026, the Vanguard Award explicitly looks toward the industry’s future. Its inclusion places designers building the next chapter of British fashion alongside names leading major international houses.

How the Winners Are Chosen

A jury of 18 critics, editors and buyers selected the nominee shortlist. It will be presented to a separate voting committee of industry figures, whose confidential votes will determine the winner of each award.

The Fashion Awards is also a fundraiser for the BFC Foundation. Established in 2019, the foundation supports creatives from education through to business growth through its prizes and programs. The BFC named Pandora as the event’s presenting partner, with Johnnie Walker and The Peninsula London serving as official partners.

The winners will be announced at The Fashion Awards 2026 on Monday, November 30.

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