KELLER IS DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller was honoured by the Duchess of Sussex at the starry event

Givenchy’s artistic director Clare Waight Keller on Monday received the British designer of the year womenswear award from Meghan Markle, whose dress she designed for her wedding to Prince Harry.

“It is such a pleasure to be here celebrating British fashion,” Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said at the annual Fashion Awards at the Albert Hall.

The former US actress, who is pregnant, praised the “vision”, “creativity” and also “the incredible kindness” of Waight Keller.

The two women met in early 2018, before the designer created the dress worn by Meghan for her wedding to Harry on May 19.

The British Fashion Awards also recognised Vivienne Westwood, winner of the award for positive change, for her commitment to the environment.

The 77-year-old high priestess of punk took the opportunity to denounce the “rotten financial system”.

Italian fashion house

Gucci was named brand of the year and Italian Pierpaolo Piccioli, artistic director of Valentino, won the best designer

Photos by AFP and Rex Features Clare Waight Keller poses with her award for British designer of the year womenswear.

US model Cindy Crawford (second left), her husband Rande Gerber (left), daughter Kaia Jordan Gerber (second right) and son Presley Gerber.

Paloma Faith.

Kaia Gerber poses with her award for model of the year .

Singer Ellie Goulding.

Vivienne Westwood with her award for positive change.

with Waight Keller Meghan Markle.

Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli won the designer of the year award.

Gucci’s fashion designer Alessandro Michele poses with the brand of the year award.

Samuel Ross won the British emerging talent menswear award.