The British Fashion Awards ceremony, held for the 20th time, took place in the Raphael Gallery at the Victoria & Albert Museum last night. Phoebe Philo, the creative director of Chloe, was proudly named Designer of the Year. The 31-year-old designer, who presented her first collection for spring 2002, is credited with increasing sales at Chloe by a 40 percent since last season, and winning a multitude of celebrity fans. The cool-girl-about-town image of the brand, created by the artist, has led to huge popularity of her handbags and jeans worldwide.

17-year-old Lily Cole, dressed in a palm print dress by the British duo Gharani Strok, was awarded with the Model of the Year title.

Best Menswear Designer award went to Alexander McQueen, a five-time winner of Designer of the Year, for his newly-presented collection.

Giles Deacon, who has been the hit of London fashion week since the launch of his two-season-old label Giles, was voted best new designer for his elegant couture-inspired collections.

The Fashion Creator award was won by make-up guru Pat McGrath, who was responsible for the Leigh Bowery mask looks for John Galliano’s catwalk shows last season.

The team of NET-A-PORTER.COM the worlds first global fashion boutique, celebrated its victory as the best fashion Shop.

Photo: Designer of the Year Phoebe Philo