Award shows and Red Carpet events undoubtedly make spectacular spectator sport; none more so than the British Fashion Awards. This year on Monday night in the Royal Albert Hall, London it was clear that models, designers and anyone who is anyone in the world of fashion had not just pulled out their finest glad rags from the wardrobe, but were showcasing the absolute best in Designer women’s’ clothing.

 

For those of us who don’t have an award show to attend, or don’t happen to be a six foot tall statuesque model type, the joy of an event such as this is that what we can take elements from what we see, and translate them into our own wardrobe. Sometimes this may be in the form of colour, sometimes style, sometimes simply the embellishments that feature in the fashion forward gowns.

 

When it comes to impeccable taste, one of my favourite fashionistas is Lady Amelia Windsor. Time and again she strikes a chord of on- trend sophisticated chic – and on Awards night she was in fine fettle in full-length pink tulle Carolina Herrera floral dress. Modest in cut, yet simultaneously stunning –if you like her look then it’s not as unobtainable as it may at first seem. With a bit of creative license you can recreate a similar feel this summer, and make it one that’s wearable day or evening.

 

 

On the big night it was clear that the one shoulder dress was prevalent; from the black Givenchy dress worn by the Duchess of Sussex to the satin, ruched teal dress seen on Kate Moss. Of course bows have been touted as hot property for the year ahead: this was sealed by the Emila Wickstead dress worn by Alek Wek. Now it’s doubtful most of us would be game enough to wear a ‘bow-train’, but it’s easy to see how this can be filtered down and incorporated into the outfit, particularly for event wear. Other clear style features were ruffles (Fran Summers in Valentino), asymmetric hemlines (Jourdan Dunn in 16Arlington), and fringing from Gucci (on Saiorse Ronan).

 

 

In terms of colours, despite the fact that it’s mid-winter in London the colour palette was far from dark and dingy. Pink was hot hot hot, and seen in every shade – from Paloma Faith in pale pink tulle to Georgia May Jagger, who went all out in a Mulberry pink suit with matching pink hair. Emila Wickstead combined pink and red (a pairing that we’ve been loving this season) and combined scallops and pleats. Alexa Chung looked kooky but elegant in mustard velvet, and whilst gold was still dazzling away, it’s great to see that silver is edging back up the metallic ladder. Classic looks were aplenty: Penelope Cruz looked quintessentially gorgeous in her champagne sequin gown, and Chanel showcased a monochrome number – simple but effective. And there was green. Lots of green.

 

 

Amongst all the edgy looks was Naomi Watts, who showed that you can pull out all the stops, but when it comes to the crunch simple elegance still wins the day. Wowing in a pale, sequined floral dress she looked – let me say those magic words – achievable.