Emotions are known to run high at awards shows, and many people on the carpet tonight spoke to us about the importance of art and creativity in today's political climate.

And when Thandie Newton took to the ELLE stage to announce Erdem's 'Designer Of The Year' Award at the ELLE Style Awards 2017, the speech that followed was no exception.

Thandie, who wore Erdem to the event, took to the stage to discuss both her own and Erdem Moralıoğlu's mixed heritage and ascent to success.

She explained how her mother, a Zimbabwean, 'worked like a dog' as a nurse in the NHS.

Her mother, 'didn't have shoes until she was 10 years old' and was one of '15 kids'.

Erdem, who is half Canadian and half Turkish, came to the UK to study for his MA and then moved here in 2005 to start his eponymous label.

Thandie explained how both herself and Erdem are immigrants, and how recent populist movements, like Brexit, have jeopardised their future and the future of people like them saying: 'Who knows who next can't come in.'

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Thandie Newton at the ELLE Style Awards

Erdem's 'from Montreal, and he's a british, and he's an immigrant just like me. And I'm proud to an immigrant.'

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Erdem & Thandie Newton at ELLE Style Awards

Erdem thanked his friend profusely for her speech, 'Thank you Thandie. I don't know what to say, sorry thank you so much Thandie and ELLE, you've been so supportive of me since the beginning. .... I accept this award for my team - I love them.'

But he finished his speech on a more personal theme, like Thandie, he spoke of his mother, 'Really I accept this award... for my mother. She always believes in beauty in all its form. It's why I do what I do. It's a strange time but the pursuit of beauty is more important than ever.'