Sam Smith accepted the Cultural Innovator trophy at the British Fashion Awards 2023 on Monday in a dramatic black gown.
The singer, 31, was honoured for creating viral fashion moments, such as their unforgettable latex clad appearance at the 2023 Brit Awards.
In Sam’s typically bold style, they showed off their eclectic fashion sense in two eye-catching looks during the annual event.
Gracing the star-studded red carpet at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, the musician first wore a thigh skimming black mini skirt and towering Vivienne Westwood platform boots before changing into their second striking ensemble.
Accepting their award, which was presented by Lena Dunham, Sam later wore a voluminous taffeta dress with puffed shoulders.
Sam Smith, 31, accepted the Cultural Innovator trophy at the British Fashion Awards 2023 on Monday in a dramatic black gown
In Sam’s typically bold style, they showed off their eclectic fashion sense in two eye-catching looks during the annual event
The gown featured a long ruffled train and cape-style sleeves, with Sam accessorising with two layered choker necklaces.
This years ceremony is going back to gender-based awards, splitting British designers into menswear and womenswear categories.
Speaking about their award Caroline Rush, chief executive officer at the British Fashion Council, said Sam was is ‘a true cultural innovator who has fearlessly pushed the boundaries of both fashion and entertainment.
‘Smith’s unapologetic and groundbreaking style choices have dominated the industry in 2023 and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support of U.K. designers.’
Sam was one of many major stars to attend the annual fundraising event, with Charlotte Tilbury scooping a Special Recognition Award and Giancarlo Giammetti accepting the Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of Valentino Garavani from Gwyneth Paltrow.
The evening, hosted by British broadcaster Maya Jama and musical artist Kojey Radical, celebrated 16 awards. TFA nominees and winners are voted for by an international judging panel made up of over 1000 industry experts.
Arriving at the event Sam cut a stylish figure as they graced the red carpet at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The non-binary singer put on a very leggy display in a thigh skimming black mini skirt and towering Vivienne Westwood platform boots.
Sam completed the ensemble with chic blazer which boasted dramatic shoulder pads and statement buttons.
Accepting their award, which was presented by Lena Dunham, Sam later wore a voluminous taffeta dress with puffed shoulders
The gown featured a long ruffled train and cape-style sleeves, with Sam accessorising with two layered choker necklaces
Gracing the red carpet at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, the musician first wore a thigh skimming black mini skirt and towering Vivienne Westwood platform boots
The Cultural Innovator Award honours figures in the entertainment industry who have created viral fashion moments such as their latex clad appearance at the 2023 Brit Awards
Sam was one of many major stars to attend the annual fundraising event, with Gwyneth Paltrow presenting the Outstanding Achievement Award to Giancarlo Giammetti
Elsewhere, Amal Clooney (L) presented a Special Recognition Award to Charlotte Tilbury (R)
The makeup mogul wore a beaded black gown
It comes after Sam was one of the first musicians to call for the BRIT Awards to be ‘reflective’ resulting in organisers making it the first major UK music event to abolish gendered categories.
Music industry chiefs faced a backlash when they scrapped the Best Female and Best Male categories in a bid to be inclusive and relevant after non-binary musicians including Sam, who identifies as neither male nor female, said they felt excluded.
The first gender-neutral award was handed to Adele in 2022, but in her acceptance speech she pointedly told the audience: ‘I love being a woman.’
It is understood she also voiced her dismay after when this year’s shortlist was revealed to contain only men.
Now 2024’s ceremony will see the genderless category for Best Artist expanded from five nominations to 10 following the backlash.
A-listers such as Kate Moss, Amal Clooney and Gwyneth Paltrow walked the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards 2023.
The event, presented by jewellery brand Pandora returned to the iconic London venue, the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening.
The evening, hosted by British broadcaster Maya Jama and musical artist Kojey Radical, celebrated 16 awards. TFA nominees and winners are voted for by an international judging panel made up of over 1000 industry experts.
The event serves as the main fundraiser for the BFC Foundation. which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry through its focus on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring.
Bianca Saunders, winner of the New Establishment Menswear Award, looked chic in a silver satin dress
Paloma Elsesser scooped the Model of the Year Award
Josh O Connor (L) presented the Designer of the Year Award to Jonathan Anderson (R) for JW Anderson
Stormzy (L) and Jodie Comer (R) presented British Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Edward Enninful (C) with the Trailblazer Award
The editor posed for a photo photo with Sarah Burton, who won the Special Recognition Award
Michaela Coel, winner of the Pandora Leader of Change Award, looked incredible in a white off-the-shoulder gown
Sarah Mower, winner of the Trailblazer Award, posed for a photo with Gwendoline Christie
Maximilian Davis scooped the British Womenswear Designer Award for Ferragamo
Charlie Casely-Hayford accepted the posthumous Special Recognition Award on behalf of the late Joe Casely-Hayford
Jourdan Dunn joined Campbell Addy, winner of the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, and Ib Kamara backstage
Martine Rose (L) was presented with the British Menswear Designer Award by Little Simz (R)
The awards ceremony kicked off in style, with global superstar Usher welcoming the audience of leading designers, artists, creatives, and tastemakers for a night celebrating the global fashion community, asking ‘How does fashion make you feel?’.
The evening started with METTE’s Pandora performance, followed with a performance from Cultural Innovator Award winner Sam Smith and ended with a DJ set by Skepta at the afterparty.
The British fashion industry paid tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood and her fearless approach to design and activism and recognised Joe Casely-Hayford with a posthumous Special Recognition Award for his incredible contributions to fashion and culture.
Each winner received a unique trophy designed by stylist, art director and 2022 NEW WAVE: Creative in collaboration with British glass production company.
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