Tonight, Burberry's chief creative officer Christopher Bailey received the 2017 ELLE Style Award for 'British Brand Of The Year' for his continued dedication and work with the British luxury fashion house.
Bailey, who stepped down from his role as chief executive officer (CEO) last summer ahead of the arrival of Celine's outgoing boss Marco Gobbetti in July, collected his award at the H&M sponsored event.
The 45-year-old's award recognizes Burberry's role as a vanguard in the fashion industry for revolutionising what is now referred to as the 'see now, buy now' model – the ability to purchase collections immediately after they appear on the runway.
The designer, who won the Editor's Choice Award at the ELLE Style Awards 2015, took up his role as CEO of Burberry in May 2014, and has since helped the brand deliver retail revenues of £745 million.
Over the years, the Yorkshire-born designer has shown a keen eye for technological and conceptual innovation and talent in recruiting the likes of Romeo Beckham, Eddie Redmayne, current ELLE cover star Emma Watson and September issue cover star Lily James to front its campaigns.
Following on from Burberry's Tudor September collection – with a show that saw ruffle-collared shirts and drummer-boy jackets storm the runway – the label's second 'see-now buy-now' show (scheduled for February 20) is reportedly inspired by the artwork of Henry Moore.
In promotional footage from Burberry's AW17 collection, shot by renowned photographer Josh Olins on location at the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens in Hertfordshire, up-and-coming fashion models such as Amber Witcomb and Tom Fool can be seen wearing sideways cable-knit designs and the brand's iconic trench coat.
Bailey, who was the first openly gay executive among FTSE 100 corporations, will soon add the newly created title of president of Burberry later this year and oversee all elements of brand and design, working alongside Gobbetti.
Congratulations Christopher.
