Here’s What Happened at the WOTC New Faces Awards 2021

The WOTC New Faces Awards ceremony was held in Knightsbridge in a breath-taking space which featured high-mirrored ceilings and bespoke eucalyptus-wood paneling that coupled perfectly with the ceremony’s ‘futuristic’ theme. 

The evening sought to honor the myriad of achievements and contributions of its 60 nominees, who included Spencer Matthews and young billionaire businessman Ben Francis of Gymshark, nominated for Man of the Year, and leading publicist Vannessa Amadi who was nominated for Woman of the Year and is renowned for managing artists such as Davido and Tiwa Savage.

Like any other WOTC event, guests arrived in style — an array of luxury cars from Rolls Royce Wraiths to Ferraris and were welcomed onto the red carpet by model and actress Eunice Olumide and PLT podcast and BBC Radio 1 host Natalie O’Leary, before they entered the ceremony to mingle and take their seats. 

Actress, model and red carpet host Eunice Olumide looking stunning at this year's WOTC New Faces Awards.

Those in attendance included some of the UK’s most notable business leaders, influencers and decision makers such as Alexandra Shulman, former British Vogue Editor in Chief, who was recently cleared of breast cancer, former Marie Claire UK Editor in Chief, Trish Halpin, model Amber Le Bon, Love Island stars Sharon Gaffka, Belle Hassan, Eve Gale and Francesca Allen, Tim Campbell MBE, the new co-host of the BBC’s Apprentice, Hayley McQueen of Sky Sports, Game of Thrones actress Laura Pradelska, Luti Fagbenle who is the producer of Channel 4’s High Life featuring DJ Cuppy Otedola, actor Denola Grey and Bulletproof actress, Vanessa Vanderpuye. 

Alexandra Shulman, former British Vogue editor-in-chief on the WOTC New Faces Awards red carpet.

Amber Le Bon, English fashion model, attends this year's WOTC New Faces Awards. 

Actress and model Vanessa Vanderpuye attended this year's WOTC New Faces Awards.

Amber Le Bon and Laura Pradelska attend this year's WOTC New Faces Awards.

Sky Sports broadcaster Hayley McQueen and founder of The Wick, Katy Wickremesinghe, attended this year's WOTC New Faces Awards.

Inside, WOTC Editor in Chief Phadria Prendergast hosted a never-seen-before panel titled ‘sending the ladder down,’ a powerful conversation on the future of women in the workplace and media, in a stunning red vintage Vera Wang ball gown. Prendergast first shared her story of growing up in East London, and its struggles, and the importance of representation in the media, before welcoming her 4 panelists; Alexandra Shulman; former Vogue EIC who spoke about her 25-year tenure at one of the most notable publications and its challenges, Nathalie Oestmann, Chief Operating Officer, who spoke about passing on the baton in c-suite roles, award-winning CSO of Aon, Mary Alade, discussed the gender pay gap and luxury retail maven Frances Card, brought humour to the stage, discussing her illustrious career working alongside some of the globe’s biggest retail destinations. 

The main event was undoubtedly the awards ceremony, which saw 16 phenomenal women and 1 exceptional man honored on the evening: 

Woman of the Year - Marine Tanguy 

Business of the Year – Bianca Saunders

Emerging Fashion Brand, - Sunderbay, created by influencer Charlotte Emily Sanders

Pre-Loved Brand of the Year - Luxury Promise

The Achievement Award - Trish Halpin & Lorraine Candy 

Emerging Beauty brand of the Year – By Joy Adenuga

Rising Star Award - Joice Etutu

Creative of the Year - Amanda Akokhia 

Game Changer Award of the Year - Hannah Holland

Community Leader of the Year - Christina Adane

Sustainable Brand of the Year - My Wardrobe HQ

Female Artist of the Year - Sarah Owusu

Beauty Product or Service of the Year - Niche Brow Co

New Face of the Year - Yvonne Bajela

Agency of the Year - Moda PR

Man of the Year - Daps

Icon Award - Lady Tessy Ojo MBE

The celebration continued at the NFAs after-party, as VIP guests partied at a private club, also in Knightsbridge alongside nominees and winners of the night, with music from Spotify’s DJ Henrie as they sipped on bottles of the club’s finest champagne.