History proves that England has not always loved Black folk. From colonialism to more recent cultural works like Linton Kwesi Johnson’s Inglan is a Bitch (1980) and Paul Gilroy’s There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack (1987), it was as if the British loathed our race. But the growing presence of Black communities has compelled England to embrace diversity. The Fashion Awards 2023, held on a typically rainy London evening at the Royal Albert Hall on December 4, demonstrated this shift like we’ve never seen before.
Of course, there has been a noticeable shift in the fashion industry, witnessing increased representation of black models on runways and in campaigns, along with trailblazing designers like Virgil Abloh transforming the landscape. Undoubtedly, the fashion industry was never the same after the dawn of the legendary Naomi Campbell, and this event boldly highlighted influential stars of colour who have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Before the ceremony, the Red Carpet LIVE segment was cohosted by former celebrity stylist Law Roach, with attendees including Stormzy, Skepta, Tessa Thompson, Letitia Wright, Adut Akech, Jourdan Dunn, Grace Wales Bonner, Lewis Hamilton, FKA Twigs, and Winnie Harlow. The ceremony honoured fashion icons like Edward Enninful who received the Trailblazer Award, Bianca Saunders who won the New Establishment Menswear Designer, and Michaela Coel the Pandora Leader of Change Award.
Hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical, the star-studded event is aimed at celebrating achievements and supporting upcoming talent within the fashion industry. Kojey Radical is a British-Ghanaian rapper, known for his dynamic performances and effortless lyricism. But he has also gained recognition for his distinctive style, merging high-end designer pieces with streetwear staples.
In a culted.com interview where he spoke about having been chosen to host the Fashion Awards, Kojey reminded us of his deep-rooted connection to fashion and how it helps him express his identity. For the rapper, fashion goes beyond donning designer labels; it embodies a reflection of real-life experiences and styles he picked up during his upbringing in Hoxton. Kojey Radical’s fashion inspirations range from his older brother to André 3000.
A post on his Instagram the day after read: “Never in 1 million years, did I think I would hear the words Kojey Radical is co-hosting the fashion awards… well last night a dream came true.” He reiterated this sentiment when he spoke to Law Roach on the red carpet when he said, “Bianca (Saunders) reminds me of my sister…. And I feel like … like you can grow up thinking, this will never be us. Do you know what I mean? So to see somebody that actually feels like they could, it’s not even just representation, feel like they could be family.”
The Fashion Awards 2023 seemed to reflect a profound shift in England’s cultural landscape, showing how increased representation is beginning to reshape its problematic narrative. By allowing itself to centre influential figures of colour, the ceremony not only acknowledged outstanding achievements but also honoured the deep and indiscriminate connections between fashion, personal identity, and lived experience. The awards could be seen as one milestone in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive fashion industry.
Thumbnail Image courtesy of Instagram via @portablebaeby
