The British Fashion Council (BFC) and Swarovski have commissioned British architectural designer John Pawson to create the crystal trophy for The Fashion Awards 2017 in partnership with Swarovski, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 4th December.

This is the second year that the BFC and Swarovski have collaborated with a world-renowned designer to create a bespoke trophy for The Fashion Awards. In 2016, the trophy was designed by Marc Newson CBE.

Pawson’s design combines the worlds of fashion and architecture with a minimalist crystal cylinder encasing a lacquer ‘thread’ through its centre. Its slanted top features a convex lens, which magnifies the ‘thread’ when viewed from above. Each trophy contains a different coloured ‘thread’, making it a distinct design piece; but when viewed together, the trophies are a striking set piece that represents the diversity of the 2017 award winners.

The trophies have been handcrafted from crystal by Swarovski’s master cutters at the company’s headquarters in Wattens, Austria. A symbolic memento of the night, each trophy weighs approximately 1.5kg and measures 240mm in height by 60mm wide. They will complete the 800-mile journey from Austria to the Royal Albert Hall in London for the event.

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “John Pawson is an inspirational architectural designer, and we are delighted that he has brought his singular vision to thetrophy for The Fashion Awards 2017. His elegant concept is both a stunning celebration of Swarovski  crystal and an inspired tribute to the diverse talent who will be recognised at this year’s awards.”

John Pawson said: “I am delighted to have been asked to design the trophy for The Fashion Awards. The trophy is a symbolic memento of the night so I wanted to create something special that would be both a beautiful object in its own right and a fitting tribute to the achievements of this year’s winners. The inherent qualities of Swarovski crystal enhance the simplicity of the cylindrical form and coloured thread, producing a celebratory play of light and colour.” Dame Natalie Massenet, Chairman of the British Fashion Council added: “It is a great honour to work with John Pawson on the award design this year. He is one of the most celebrated architectural designers of his generation and his trophy reflects both his aesthetic and our vision for The Fashion Awards. It is worthy of the outstanding achievements it will recognise on the night and I am delighted that all winners will take away a collectible work of design.”

The Fashion Awards in partnership with Swarovski recognise creativity and innovation in fashion. The Fashion Awards celebrate exceptional individuals whose imagination and creativity have broken new ground in fashion globally over the past 12 months and brands and businesses that have transformed the possibilities of fashion today. The gala event hosted in fashion’s creative capital, London, raises money to nurture future generations of fashion talent. The BFC Education Foundation is the charitable partner to The Fashion Awards 2017 in partnership with Swarovski

The generosity and commitment of our sponsors is more vital than ever. Please help us by acknowledging our Principal Sponsor SWAROVSKI for their support of The Fashion Awards 2017. Presenting Sponsor American Express and Official Sponsor Mercedes-Benz.