Natalie Massenet Archives - Fashion Voyeur

The 2015 International Designer Award will be presented to Alessandro Michele, in recognition of the year’s remarkable achievements in his role as Creative Director at Gucci. Taking the reins as Creative Director back in January 2015, his appointment marked a brave and significant shift in aesthetics for Gucci – a house famed for its leather goods and accessories; a phenomenal powerhouse that currently ranks No.2 in the global luxury goods market. In the ten short months since Michele took up the role, he has presented four stellar collections that have caught the attention of the industry and consumers alike, and have set a brand new fashion agenda, confirming Gucci’s position as a truly directional fashion house.

The appointment of Michele as Creative Director marks the culmination of a successful 13 year career with the brand – having been brought into the Gucci fold by Tom Ford himself back in 2002 after a brief stint at Fendi, where he served as Senior Accessories Designer. Michele’s unique understanding and appreciation of the historical codes of Gucci married with his modern take on romanticism have created a compelling new narrative for the brand. His relationship with symbolism and granny chic has been evident at every turn.

The-Gucci-cruise-wear-collection-is-mode-3-

Charged with overseeing all aspects of creative responsibility for the label, Alessandro Michele’s truly contemporary and highly original vision has undoubtedly returned the iconic house of Gucci to the frontline of fashion, making headway and headlines for all the right reasons; namely the amazing garments he’s consistently producing.

Natalie Massenet MBE commented: “Alessandro Michele is a phenomenon at Gucci. His exciting eclectic aesthetic has made an overnight impact on global fashion trends. It is not just that he has made the brand covetable and the product so desirable. He has also reinvigorated the retail experience bringing back playfulness and magic to the flagship store. This is a man who has his customer in his heart and celebrates them.”

Do you agree with the choice of designer for this award? I know I do, I’ve long been a fan of Michele’s and his eclectic style fits my personality just perfectly. Want to have your say? Then join the conversation on social media: #BFA

Pixie x

The Outstanding Achievement Award will be presented to Karl Lagerfeld at the British Fashion Awards on November 23rd 2015. The white haired designer will be honoured at the ceremony, which will take place at London’s Coliseum, for his unrivalled contribution to the fashion industry over the years.

For over fifty years Karl Lagerfeld has remained a formidable force in the fashion industry and has taken the helm of numerous iconic houses – including Chloe, Fendi and Chanel (obvs). Never one to shy away from hard work, Kaiser Karl has juggled many successful careers as an award winning photographer, publisher and art director alongside his numerous design undertakings.

Obviously It’s his work at Chanel for which he is most recognised and applauded. A tenure of over thirty years has seen Lagerfeld’s unique vision transform the classic French house into a force majeur and one held in high esteem by any fashionista worth her Manolo’s. A vision that extends beyond the atelier, Lagerfeld’s influence has helped launch numerous supermodel careers, has redefined fashion advertising and laid down the blueprint of how to revive a fashion brand – revolutionising the industry in the process.

A titan of the industry, Chanel under Lagerfeld’s guidance continues to push the boundaries of expectation in fashion. Setting a precedent with his awe-inspiring, globe-trotting runway shows, Karl Lagerfeld’s visionary genius has kept him at the forefront of contemporary culture for decades.

Natalie Massenet MBE commented: “Karl Lagerfeld defines outstanding. He is the champion of excellence, the master of the exceptional and one of the most iconic figures globally from our industry. His life’s work for his own and so many extraordinary brands has written the language of fashion. He is the ultimate visionary and we celebrate not only the decades already passed but those yet to happen. In Karl’s hands the future of fashion will be an exceptional one.”

For me, this has been a long time coming; no other house puts on a runway show like Chanel, Lagerfeld takes a culturally relevant theme with each new season and runs with it, literally until the legs fall off. A modern visionary at 82 years old – I salute you Kaiser Karl, as do the British Fashion Council.

Pixie x

Alessandro Michele: International Designer of The Year 2015

British Fashion Awards to honour Karl Lagerfeld

Follow @pixietenenbaum