Naomi Campbell confessed it was "an out-of-body experience" to be handed the Fashion Icon award at the Fashion Awards 2019 on Monday.
The supermodel was presented with the accolade by Sir Jony Ive at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on Monday night and she was overcome with emotion as she tearfully revealed that she was the first woman of colour to receive the gong.
Speaking through tears, she admitted: "This is an an out-of-body experience. I learned today that I'm the first woman of colour to receive this award.
Singer Rihanna poses for photographers upon arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central London, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Picture: AP
That leaves me to say who I consider my style icons: Grace Jones, Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, Donyale Luna, Bethann Hardison, Naomi Sims, Dorothy Dandridge, Diana Ross, Diahann Carroll, Janet Jackson, and Tina Turner. I could go on and on, but I want to thank you for paving the way for me and inspiring a generation."
Singer Nicole Scherzinger poses for photographers upon arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central London, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Picture: AP
Naomi also praised her mother Valerie for raising her "single-handedly".
She added: "You raised me single-handedly, you were my mother and my father."
Elsewhere, it was a big night for Italian high fashion brand Bottega Veneta and its Creative Director, Daniel Lee, who took home four of the awards. The company was handed the coveted Brand of the Year going whilst Daniel took home the Designer of the Year, British Designer of the Year Womenswear and Accessories Designer of the Year.
Designer Donatella Versace poses for photographers upon arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central London, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Picture: AP
Model Jourdan Dunn poses for photographers upon arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central London, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Picture: AP
It was also a good night for Rihanna, whose Fenty brand won Urban Luxe whilst the Trailblazer Award was handed to Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The Outstanding Achievement Award was given to legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, whilst there was a special mention for the late renowned designer, Karl Lagerfeld.
Singer Liam Payne, left, and Maya Henry pose for photographers upon arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central London, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Picture: AP
A full list of winners at The Fashion Awards 2019 are as follows:
Brand of the Year - Bottega Veneta
Designer of the Year - Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
British Designer of the Year Womenswear - Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
British Designer of the Year Menswear - Kim Jones for Dior Men
Model of the Year - Adut Akech
Accessories Designer of the Year - Daniel Lee for Bottega Veneta
Urban Luxe - Fenty
British Emerging Talent Womenswear - Rejina Pyo for Rejina Pyo
British Emerging Talent Menswear - Bethany Williams for Bethany Williams
Business Leader - Remo Ruffini for Moncler
Outstanding Achievement Award - Giorgio Armani
Fashion Icon - Naomi Campbell
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Sam McKnight
Trailblazer Award - Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Positive Change Award - Signatories of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action launched at UN Convention on Climate Change
Designers' Designer Award - Christopher Kane for Christopher Kane