The ELLE UK Style Awards 2025 returned to London last night, opening Fashion Month with a celebration at Brasserie Zédel. This year’s event carried special significance, coinciding with ELLE UK’s 40th anniversary and reinforcing the magazine’s legacy of championing creativity, individuality and cultural influence across four decades.
This year’s honorees reflected the breadth of creativity shaping contemporary culture. Alexa Chung was named Timeless Muse, Naomi Ackie received Performer of the Year, Lola Young took Best New Sound, and Riz Ahmed was recognised as Modern Pioneer. Further awards went to Alva Claire (Model of the Year), Bella Freud (Cult Creative), The Lionesses (Collective of the Year), Chopova Lowena (Breakthrough Designer of the Year), Simone Rocha (British Designer of the Year), Zadie Smith (British Icon), Munroe Bergdorf (Changemaker), Daniel Lee for Burberry (British Brand of the Year) and Malala Yousafzai (Inspirational Icon).
The evening was defined by heartfelt and memorable moments. Naomi Ackie thanked Riz Ahmed for a small but pivotal act of generosity early in her career, drawing one of the loudest ovations of the night. Zadie Smith charmed the audience with her remark, “I suppose nobody’s real life feels iconic from the inside,” upon accepting the British Icon award.
Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK, reflected on the milestone: “The ELLE Style Awards 2025 mark a significant milestone as we celebrate the magazine’s 40th anniversary in the UK. For four decades, ELLE has championed creativity, individuality, and the cultural voices shaping their time. Tonight’s honourees embody that legacy, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements as they inspire the next generation.”
The evening was held in partnership with Topshop, Moët & Chandon, PATRÓN Tequila and Range Rover, whose support helped bring the celebration to life.
ELLE UK has also released a special anniversary issue featuring four covers, each spotlighting one of the honorees: Alexa Chung, Naomi Ackie, Lola Young and Riz Ahmed. Together, they embody the innovation, individuality and cultural resonance that have defined the magazine’s four-decade legacy. Previous honorees of the Style Awards include Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Emma Watson, Lana Del Rey, Stella McCartney, Annie Lennox, Natalie Portman and Tom Ford, underscoring the awards’ enduring role as a cultural barometer.
This year, ELLE US is also celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the global ELLE brand is celebrating 80 years.
