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Jourdan Dunn crowned model of the year
Laura Craik26 Nov 2008
JOURDAN DUNN capped a stellar 2008 by being crowned Model Of The Year at the British Fashion Awards.
The 19-year-old model, who was discovered just two years ago in the Hammersmith branch of Primark, took to the stage to claim her accolade with pride - and more than a hint of nervousness.
Her dizzy acceptance speech was the high point of a rather lacklustre night that saw the event's host, Mariella Frostrup, chastise the 1,000-strong audience for failing to get into the spirit of things.
"I know it's a tradition for the fashion world to remain impassive, but let's have some support for our winners tonight," she said.
Dressed in a cream strapless mini dress by Stella McCartney, Dunn was visibly overcome when she accepted her award, which was presented by Hollywood actor Christian Slater.
"Oh my God - I'm crying!" she gasped. "I don't want to cry. I just want to thank the British Fashion Council for nominating me. This is really the icing on the cake for me; I want to thank my agency, Storm, for being a second family to me, and ... oh my God, I'm sounding like such a dumb model, and that really isn't like me. Anyway, thank you so much."
Dunn, who still lives with her mother and two brothers in south London, has had a rapid ascent to the top.
As well as gracing the covers of British Vogue, Italian Vogue, Pop and i:D, she was the first black model to walk in a Prada show for 10 years, since Naomi Campbell.
She has also starred in advertising campaigns for Benetton, Gap and Topshop. Ronnie Cooke-Newhouse, Topshop's creative director, said of her: "Jourdan is so lovely. An angel. She is very focused and professional - she's really got it." Vogue magazine has put her in the top 10 of young models around the world most likely to gain global success.
Sarah Doukas, managing director of Storm, has described Jourdan as a "trailblazer". She said: "I have felt that our industry has badly needed an interesting and new model star. In my opinion Jourdan is the girl and like all the great models before her, she is exciting and original."
Other awards handed out at the Laurence Hall in Westminster last night included Designer Of The Year, which was won by Luella Bartley.
"I'm thrilled - I would like to thank my team, as well as my partner, David Sims, who supports me as I juggle work and motherhood. It's hard, but it works," she said.
Milliner Stephen Jones won the outstanding achievement award for his collaborations with John Galliano and Giles Deacon, while photographer Tim Walker won the Isabella Blow award for fashion creator.
Guests at the event, which marked 25 years of the British Fashion Council, included Erin O'Connor, Claudia Schiffer, Jade Jagger, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Sadie Frost, Tara Palmer Tompkinson, Pixie Geldof, Twiggy and Alexa Chung.
Designer of the Year
Luella Bartley
Model of the Year
Jourdan Dunn
Menswear Designer of the Year
Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Accessory Designer of the Year
Red Carpet Designer -
Designer Brand of the Year
Bespoke Designer of the Year
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator
Tim Walker
Emerging Talent (Ready to Wear)
Emerging Talent (Accessories)
Nicholas Kirkwood
Outstanding Achievement
Stephen Jones
Reader views (3)
"oh my God, I'm sounding like such a dumb model, and that really isn't like me".
Erm, you wear clothes for a living dear. In other words your job is doing what everyone else on the planet does before they go to work. Another pointless coat hanger.
- Jimbob, Kensington, 27/11/2008 00:24
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Sad to see Christopher Bailey FUR Burberry getting an award despite his deplorable and cruel use of fur products.
Good old fashion; who cares about cruelty and suffering when you can look good.
These people are sick!
- Andy, London, 26/11/2008 11:35
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You are joking? No picture?
- Robert S, London, Uk, 26/11/2008 09:50
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