Photo Credit: Shaun James Cox

On November 27, the British Fashion Council announced that Stella McCartney has been named Designer of the Year, receiving the highest accolade at the British Fashion Awards 2012.

Stella also received the Designer Brand award on behalf of her eponymous label, picking up two awards on the evening, both of which recognize a momentous year for the designer through her achievements in the fashion industry and her contributions to Team GB in 2012.

The evening saw 14 awards presented to the leading figures in fashion, recognizing creative talent and design excellence across all areas of the industry. Hosted by Gemma Arterton and Nick Grimshaw at the Savoy Hotel and theatre, the British Fashion Awards were attended by industry leaders, retailers, models, celebrities and media supporting both the winners and nominees of these prestigious awards.

Guests on the evening included BFC Ambassador Samantha Cameron, Harold Tillman CBE, Valentino, Manolo Blahnik CBE, Stella McCartney, Sarah Burton, Christopher Kane and Alexa Chung.

Photo Credit: Christoper James

The honor of Outstanding Achievement in Fashion was awarded to Manolo Blahnik CBE. This special award is one of the most significant of the evening; it celebrates and recognizes one designer, who throughout their career, has made an impact on the global fashion industry and the award pays tribute to Manolo’s extraordinary career and contribution to fashion.

Photo Credit: Christoper James

Professor Louise Wilson OBE received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, in recognition of her creative inspiration and influence in the fashion industry.

Kim Jones was awarded the honor of Menswear Designer of the year for the second year in a row, based on his contribution to the menswear industry and most notably for his work at the helm of luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton’s menswear ready-to-wear line.

Photo Credit: Christoper James

Cara Delevingne picked up the Model award, in recognition of her contribution to the international fashion scene over the past year. A Burberry model since 2010 and currently the face of Chanel, Cara’s unique sense of style and flair in front of the camera has made her one of the most prominent names in fashion, walking in an impressive 31 shows in September after being described as the star face of autumn/winter 13 by British Vogue. She most recently graced the catwalk in the iconic Victoria’s Secret show.

Photo Credit: Christoper James

The British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone recognizes an individual who most embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital. Decided entirely by the public, Alexa Chung has been voted as this year’s winner. This is the third time Alexa has been recognized at the British Fashion Awards for her style credentials, and she remains the sole winner of the British Style Award since its introduction in 2010.

This year’s British Fashion Awards were sponsored bs are American Express, Canon, M.A.C, TONI&GUY and Vodafone. The BFC also extended special thanks to Apartment 58, Hello! and Mercedes-Benz.