AS AMAL LEADS THE A-LIST ARRIVALS THE FASHION AWARDS 2023 HOLLYWOOD COMES TO LONDON FOR STYLE'S BIGGEST NIGHT OUT

Hollywood royalty rubbed stylish shoulders with fashion icons and British showbiz talent last week at the glitziest event in the social calendar.

- ROSALIND POWELL AND GEORGIA BROWN    

Staged by the British Fashion Council, the Fashion Awards – London’s equivalent to the Met Ball – are the industry’s biggest night out. This year, all the stops were pulled out to ensure a glittering red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall.

Among the evening’s big winners was beauty guru and businesswoman Charlotte Tilbury, receiving a special recognition award from close friend Amal Clooney. The human rights barrister – making her second high-profile appearance of the week, the night after joining her star husband George Clooney at a film premiere in Mayfair – dazzled in Versace.

As she presented the make-up artist with her award, Amal described how she first met Londonborn Charlotte in her Notting Hill flat for a make-up trial ahead of her 2014 wedding, letting slip details about their close friendship.

“When I think about Charlotte, some words that spring to mind are: trailblazer, brilliant, spiritual, savvy, compassionate, fun, dancefloor, champagne, all-nighter,” she told the 3,000-odd audience from the stage. “I should probably stop there…”

AIso receiving a special recognition award was Sarah Burton, having announced in September she was stepping down as creative director of AIexander McQueen. She paid tribute to label founder Lee McQueen, calling him "the greatest designer of our generation".

SONGS OF PRAISE