THE FASHION AWARDS A STELLAR SHOW

Fashion aristocracy, society darlings and Hollywood's finest are red-carpet showstoppers on British fashion's night of nights

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

They are the British Oscars of fashion, where Hollywood, pop and fashion royalty rub shoulders amid a sea of glamorous gowns to honour the innovators of the fashion world.

This year, there was a nod to real royalty when the twin nieces of Diana, Princess of Wales, channelled their late aunt as they stepped out together at The Fashion Awards.

Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer arrived at London’s Royal Albert Hall in diamond chokers and off-the-shoulder black dresses reminiscent of the legendary “revenge dress” worn by Diana in June 1994.

The 32-year-old sisters – daughters of Diana’s brother Earl Spencer and his former wife, model Victoria Lockwood – oozed elegance as they joined hello! and stood out among the throng of celebrities, designers and models on British fashion’s night of nights.

Eliza’s floor-length Gaurav Gupta gown had a princess vibe, with satin draped sleeves and swirled details on the bodice, while Amelia’s Pamella Roland dress, featuring a deep V neckline trimmed with beads, conjured up memories of Diana’s show-stopping Christina Stambolian mid-length evening gown.

The dazzling duo, who are both models with top agency Storm Management, finished their glamorous look with glittering jewels from Sartoro Genève and utterly stole the show.

“As soon as we found out that we were wearing such a beautiful, elegant and bespoke brand, we thought of Audrey Hepburn – one of our biggest style icons,” they said.

“The jewellery reminded us of her elegance, simplicity and grace. As we envisaged our looks, we were drawn to the timeless elegance of black gowns paired with radiant diamonds.”

ECHO THROUGH THE YEARS

The siblings’ appearance comes 35 years after Diana attended the awards in what she nicknamed “the Elvis dress” – a white pearl beaded dress and bolero by Catherine Walker, featuring more than 28,600 hand-sewn pearls.