BGT Icons and Celebs Dazzle at London Fashion Week’s This is ICON Gala
The glitz and glamour of London Fashion Week returned on Saturday night as the iconic Troxy played host to the 8th annual This is ICON Gala. Since its debut in 2018, the high-octane event has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Fashion Week calendar. Known for its electric atmosphere, jaw-dropping runway moments, and celebrity-studded guest list, the gala has cemented itself as a must-attend celebration where fashion, culture, and purpose collide.
Among the stars in attendance was one of the UK’s brightest rising LGBTQ+ stars, comedian, singer and cabaret performer Jonathan Rippon. The Britain’s Got Talent 2025 favourite turned heads on the red carpet, cutting a dashing and distinguished figure in an on-trend floral shirt paired with a striking purple Paul Smith blazer—a look that blended sophistication with a playful edge.
Rippon first captured the hearts of the nation earlier this year with his unforgettable BGT audition, performing his original song “First Time in Blackpool” while stripping down to gold hot pants in a show-stopping routine that left Simon Cowell stunned and the audience on its feet. His performance quickly went viral across social media, cementing him as one of 2025’s breakout names.
Since then, the rising comic has continued to delight fans online, most notably with his viral Manchester Pride TikTok alongside pop star Diana Vickers—a clip that racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
Jonathan was joined at the event by a fellow BGT icon, Susan Boyle, who made a show-stopping return to the spotlight following a major stroke in 2022. The beloved BGT legend looked nothing short of glamorous as she glided down the red carpet. Boyle was honoured with a prestigious award on the night, celebrating both her resilience and her return to music with new album Ten, released earlier this year.
The night also saw celebs such as Denise Welch, Tamzin Outhwaite and Christine McGuiness step into the spotlight, each picking up awards for their contributions to entertainment and the arts. Meanwhile, broadcasting legend Eamonn Holmes was recognised with a special Lifetime Achievement Award, receiving rapturous applause from the star-studded audience.
Adding to the sparkle was RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourite Michael Marouli, who hosted the evening with trademark wit and flair, keeping the crowd entertained between awards and runway moments.
With music, fashion, and iconic faces at every turn, the This is ICON Gala once again proved why it’s a highlight of London Fashion Week.