Red carpet awards are always a bit of a crystal ball fashion moment. For fashionistas waiting in the wings, it’s a chance to revel in the top looks of the moment, but also to try to predict the direction the wave that mainstream fashion will take us in. The London Fashion Awards are a celebration of all things creative and innovative. And you can bet your bottom dollar that this is definitely an occasion for which the guests would have donned their most fashion forward look.

 

So, when it came to the night, what were the purveyors of fashion prancing and dancing in?

 

Both Cate Blanchett and Rihanna picked shades of green as their colour of choice. Cate donned a delicious confusion of chiffon from Armani, while Rihanna mixed a mint satin bodice dress with a sheer cover-up (it is winter after all, and even celebs feel the chill of the bitter London night air). Rih-Rih teamed her outfit with matching mint satin lace-up heels, which gives us a clue that not only will mint be a hue to watch out for, but also that perfect pairing is the look du jour. Baby pink was another hue that appeared in a number of choices, perhaps most strikingly on Halima Aden who also played the match point – in this case pairing her headscarf with her long ruffled pink dress.

 

Julia Roberts has often leaned towards tailored fashion choices, and she didn’t disappoint in a sleek sparkling sequined black jumpsuit. Sequins were the main feature of Alexa Chung’s striking black maxi dress with contrasting white cuffs and collars. White has been hailed as the new black, and Arizona Muse looked a vision in a white trouser suit. Monochrome had a distinct presence, and its wearers could be seen playing with quirky styles and fabric choices.

 

If you had any concerns that the accentuated shoulders that we’ve seen this season will be a flash in the pan, then fear not. One look at the mutton-sleeve sported by Rochelle Humes should allay any fears. The sweetheart neckline and corset look of her gold dress (the corset was also seen on Winnie Harlow) is a hint that the fitted top is something to watch for. Off the shoulder and one-shoulder gowns were definite design features. Capes were also a stylish feature of the night, seen as both a part of the dress (Dina Asher-Smith) and as a separate cover-up (Sabine Getty).

 

Lace is the gift that just keeps on giving. When overlaid on a sheer fabric and cutaway to flatter the figure, it’s nothing short of spectacular. Naomi Campbell looked sublime in an Alexander McQueen creation; this style translates beautifully for occasion wear – even for non-red-carpet events. Nicole Scherzinger’s Julien McDonald gown was lavish, and again, it was based around a cutout feature which is actually surprisingly wearable.

 

One thing was clear on this night of 1000 stars: just a glance at the fabric choices – think taffeta, velvet, satin and tulle - is enough to tell us one thing for certain. Old school luxury is back with a vengeance.

 

Please note links to all the products featured in this article are in the text below the images. The prices displayed are accurate for the date this blog was posted and may be changed after this date.

 

Written By Nicky Adams