The Brits could never claim us.

If there’s one thing Irish designers consistently prove in London, it’s their ability to outshine their British counterparts. At the British Fashion Awards held on Monday in the iconic Royal Albert Hall, Irish designers Jonathan Anderson and Simone Rocha were among the evening’s biggest winners. For anyone familiar with their meteoric rise in the fashion world, their success came as no surprise.

This was the second year in a row that Derry-born Anderson took home a prize for his visionary work at Loewe and JW Anderson, his eponymous label. Last year, he was honoured with the title of International Designer of the Year, and this year Anderson on the title of Designer of the Year, an award which goes to a “British or international designer whose work has made a notable impact on the industry, defining the shape of global fashion”. This year has been huge for Anderson, being named as TIME Magazine’s most influential people of 2024 list, costume designing for Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, and standout shows in Paris and Milan. What’s more, rumours of Anderson’s potential move to Dior has generated a huge buzz in the industry. This move would place him at the helm of one of the industry’s most iconic houses and is expected to impact the creative landscape profoundly​.

Simone Rocha, the Dublin-born designer celebrated for her romantic yet subversive creations, also had a big night, winning British Womenswear Designer of the Year’, an award which recognises a “leading British womenswear designer or business who has consistently made a global impact with their innovative and creative designs, shaping the burgeoning international womenswear landscape”. Rocha has long been a favourite among critics and celebrities alike, renown for her ability to fuse delicate femininity with a darker, avant-garde edge. Her collections often draw on her Irish heritage, weaving stories of tradition and modernity into garments that feel both nostalgic and modern.

Rochas also called for freedom in Palestine upon accepting the award. “With this award I’d like to honour all the women and children who are displaced. Free Palestine”.

The success of Anderson and Rocha at such a high-profile event highlights the growing influence of Irish talent in the fashion industry. The wins reflect the broader ascent of Irish design on the world stage, as a new generation of designers continues to draw inspiration from their heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. With Anderson and Rocha leading the charge, the Irish fashion renaissance shows no signs of slowing down.

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