John Galliano pays tribute to ‘loyal friends’ at British Fashion Awards

John Galliano paid tribute to his ”loyal friends” at the British Fashion Awards last night (01.12.14).

The fashion designer – who was fired from Dior in 2011 for making racist slurs outside a Parisian café and returned to the industry as creative director of Maison Martin Margiela last month – made his first public appearance since taking on the new role at the ceremony and thanked his pals for sticking by him through the ”highs and lows”.

John, 57, made his way onto the stage at the London Coliseum to present American Vogue editor Anna Wintour with her Outstanding Achievement award and recalled fond memories of the fashion icon to the audience before she accepted the accolade for her contribution to the fashion industry.

According to Vogue.co.uk, John noted a time the famous duo were making their way to the prestigious Met Ball when he forgot how to drape the sari he was wearing and was forced to tuck it into his ”knickers” in front of other world renowned designers.

He said: ”When we were about to get out of the car. There was Calvin, and Donna, and my sari began to fall down. In Anna’s world there is a solution for everything and she said, ‘There is an Indian prince here, he’ll know how to drape it properly.’ And of course there was, and he did.”

Along with Anna, 65, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham was also honoured at the awards, taking home the Best Brand title for her eponymous clothing label.

The 40-year-old designer – who was joined by her husband David Beckham at the event – took to her Twitter account to thank her hard working staff.

She wrote: ”We won!! Thank u to my wonderful team,I love u all so much x congratulations!!!! X what a special night x vb (sic)”

Meanwhile, Cara Delevingne, 22, was named Best Model for the second time, following her 2012 victory and ‘Harry Potter’ actress Emma Watson, 24, took home the British Style Award.

Plenty of pop stars descended upon the red carpet to mingle with fashion’s finest, including Lily Allen, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora and One Direction’s Harry Styles.