LONDON, Sep 27, 2003/ FW/ --- The Brits call it the 'Oscars of the Fashion Industry,' though its official name is "The Lycra® British Style Awards."

Held in the heart of London, at the Old Billingsgate Market, last Thursday, September 25, the star-studded gala was hosted by Pamela Anderson.

Award presenters included American actress Jada Pinkett Smith, super model Heidi Klum and Usual Suspects actor Gabriel Byrne presenting awards with music spectaculars from Emma Bunton, Skin and Sophie Ellis Bextor.

This is the first time Lycra® has sponsored this prestigious ceremony, and became the title sponsor.

Lycra® is widely accepted and recognised as the foundation stone of the fashion industry and its position at the heart of the industry makes it the perfect partner for this exciting event, created to acknowledge design excellence in the fashion industry.

Though the title sponsor is a freshman, most of the winners are veterans of the fashion and entertainment industry.

And the winners are:

• British Designer of the Year: Alexander McQueen

Fashion industry darling Alexander McQueen is one of the UK's most important export in terms of fashion. Renowned for his romantic yet contemporary designs, he has impressed the fashion flock on both sides of the Atlantic.

He currently designs his own label under the umbrella of the Gucci Group. Along with flagship stores in London, New York and Milan he has launched the first McQueen fragrance, 'Kingdom'.

• New Generation Designer: Sophia Kokosalaki

Greek-born and London trained, Sophia Kokosalaki is best known for her elegantly draped jerseys and complex leather weaves. With a business that has doubled in the past year, this young, British talent proves that you can be successful commercially as well as creatively.
• Accessory Designer: Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik's shoes inspire slavish devotion. Fans of his unashamedly sexy and elegant designs include iconic fashion leaders Kate Moss, Madonna and Sex and the City's Sarah Jessica Parker. Collaborations with John Galliano, Clements Ribeiro and Oscar de la Renta for their catwalk shows and his attention to detail have made him an extraordinarily accomplished designer.
• Glamour Designer of the Year: Julien Macdonald

Julien Macdonald is the winner of the Glamour Designer of the year award for the second time. Alongside his own label, he is Women's Artistic Director for the House of Givenchy Haute Couture. He enjoys an enormous celebrity following who all reach for a Macdonald dress for that special, red carpet entrance
• Contemporary Designer: Paul Smith

Equally celebrated for his men's, women's and children's collections, Sir Paul Smith epitomises a contemporary take on British style. Knighted for his services to the fashion industry and with over thirty years experience, he acts as a global spokesperson for British design.
• High Street Fashion Retailer: Reiss

Reiss aims to lead trends rather than follow. Designing and producing its own label range of clothes for style conscious men and women, it bridges the gap between the high street and international designer brands. The brainchild of David Reiss, there are currently twenty-five stores around the UK and Ireland, with thirty-three new outlets scheduled to open at the end of the year.
• Menswear Designer: Paul Smith

Sir Paul Smith is one of Britain's most commercially successful designers with an annual worldwide turnover of over £220 million per year. His idiosyncratic menswear style combines an appreciation of the skills of a Savile Row tailor with a subversive eye for detail.
• Most Stylish Photographer: Mario Testino
• Most Stylish Model: Erin O'Connor
• Stylist: Katie Grand
• Most Stylish Female TV Personality: Kim Cattrall
• Most Stylish Male TV Personality: Ant & Dec
• Most Stylish Movie Actress: Minnie Driver
• Most Stylish Movie Actor: Ewan McGregor
• Most Stylish Male Music Artist: Robbie Williams
• Most Stylish Female Music Artist: Victoria Beckham
• Most Stylish Sports Personality: David Beckham

For first time the public have been able to participate in the event, by voting on three award categories. The public votes consisted of readers of The Sun and visitors to www.lycra.com