The Dior Chairman and CEO will be celebrated for her commitment to nurturing new talent
Delphine Arnault will be honored with a Special Recognition Award for her exceptional contribution to the global fashion industry and her longstanding commitment to supporting emerging talent at The Fashion Awards in London.
Presented by Pandora, the event will take place on December 1 at the Royal Albert Hall. This year’s ceremony will highlight the ways fashion both drives and reflects culture, exploring its intersections with music, film, sport, and performance art to shape a contemporary visual language.
Laura Weir, Chief Executive Officer of the British Fashion Council, described Arnault, who serves as Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, as “one of the most visionary and influential leaders in global fashion — a figure whose impact is felt far beyond the boardroom.”
Weir added that Arnault combines strategic leadership “with a genuine commitment to nurturing creativity, education, and opportunity. Her belief in talent as the lifeblood of this industry has transformed countless careers and continues to shape fashion’s global future.”
Arnault said she was honored to receive the award, “which highlights the importance of supporting young talents who will define the fashion and creativity of tomorrow.”
A long-standing advocate for emerging designers, Arnault spearheaded the launch of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2014 and oversees Dior Men’s partnership with the BFC Foundation MA Scholarship. The scholarship funds a U.K.-based menswear student every two years, covering tuition, living expenses, and one-on-one mentorship with the Dior Men’s design team.
The Fashion Awards serve as the primary fundraiser for the BFC Foundation, established in 2019 to support creative talent through education, mentorship, and financial grants. The Foundation supports designers through key initiatives, including the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, the BFC Newgen, and the BFC Fashion Trust, while also providing scholarships and industry networking opportunities for students.