The Fashion Awards 2024, presented this year by principal partner Pandora, stands as one of the most significant events in British fashion, drawing an international crowd of industry leaders. From celebrated designers to trailblazing models, and from creative pioneers to emerging talents, the ceremony celebrates those who drive the industry forward.
Among the evening’s highlights, the multi-talented Issa Rae—renowned as a writer, producer, actor, and entrepreneur, best known for creating and starring in Insecure—graced the event adorned in Pandora’s Lab-Grown Diamonds. First launched in 2022 to make diamonds more accessible, these gems are sustainably grown, cut, and polished using 100% renewable energy and set in recycled gold and silver.
British Vogue captured exclusive behind-the-scenes moments as Issa Rae prepared for the red carpet, showcasing her transformation and the elegant Pandora jewellery she selected. “The perfect calm before the storm,” she reflected in a preparation video, adding, “I always leave feeling exponentially more confident.”
“It’s simple yet makes a statement,” said Issa Rae’s stylist, Wouri Vice, about the custom Pandora Lab-Grown Diamond pieces inspired by the brand’s Infinite collection. These elegant accessories perfectly complemented the velvet Roland Mouret dress she wore to The Fashion Awards. The look featured a bespoke Pandora Infinite Lab-Grown Diamond collar necklace, hoop earrings, a stack of rings, and a sleek 14-karat gold bangle with a central lab-grown diamond.
In true alignment with her vibrant personality, Issa “danced for jewels” as she and Wouri completed the final touches. Admiring the stacked Pandora Lab-Grown Diamond rings on her fingers, Issa remarked, “I like a little alternating.” Wouri chimed in, “That’s the mish-mash,” highlighting the collection’s versatile mix-and-match appeal. “There are no rules when it comes to jewellery, and that’s one of the things I love about this collection.”
On the evening of The Fashion Awards, Issa Rae was honored with Pandora’s Leader of Change award, a prestigious accolade that “celebrates individuals who challenge conventions, drive progress, and empower others through forward-thinking initiatives.” The award was presented by her close friend and Insecure co-star, Yvonne Orji. Issa was recognized for her “commitment to authentic representation and her transformative use of storytelling, which have profoundly shifted perceptions and set a powerful example for the next generation.”
Reflecting on the recognition earlier in the day, Issa expressed her gratitude, saying, “It really is an honor.” Later, on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, she delivered a heartfelt speech, capturing the significance of the moment. Dressed in her Pandora jewellery, Issa shone under the spotlights, embodying the spirit of the award. Summing up the night perfectly, Wouri Vice remarked in British Vogue’s Last Looks video, “It’s Black excellence.”
