Allen, in a frilly Giles strapless dress and sky high, velvet Louboutin heels, laughs heartily with Bartley, who dons a black blazer over a pink Luella dress. "Sorry but we're having a private cigarette," Lily says to the cameraman, eager for a photo-op. Apologetically, he turns away, but no doubt he'll have plenty of other opportunities.
Glitz, glamour and luxurious dresses are tonight's themes. Agyness Deyn, named Model of the Year, lives up to her title in a floor grazing, dramatic black Giles ball-gown, a contrast to her short platinum blonde 'do. "Bit nervous," she says with a shy smile while approaching the red carpet. If she is, she hides it well.
A humble Christopher Kane, accompanied by his proud sister Tammy who's wearing a Comme des Garcon jacket over a Kane original, isn't sure how to feel about his nomination. "I don't know, actually. It's been a weird, fast and busy year," he says modestly.
Kane, whose short career has been meteorically rising, took home the award for New Designer of the Year over Gareth Pugh. Perhaps rightfully so, as Pugh, decked out in Dior and patent Doc Martins, cheekily jokes he's only in it for the alcohol. "Let's be honest, I'm here for the free drinks," he says with a laugh.
Pugh isn't the only one here for the freebies. Kelly Osborne, looking newly svelte in an off the shoulder, deep red Galliano gown, smiles while admitting she turned up for a new designer loaned dress.
On the carpet, most are mum about predicting a winner for Designer of the Year. Hilary Alexander of The Daily Telegraph says of the nominees: "Three very fantastic people, and may the best man or woman win."
Chair of the British Fashion Council, Stuart Rose is equally coy. "I can't possibly say." He was not however, tight-lipped about the make of his suit. Armani? "Marks and Spencer," he says with a smile.
As the arrivals come to an end, there is still one person yet to be seen: Stella McCartney. Soon enough, a polite, pregnant, and glowing McCartney emerges from a car and is rushed inside. Behind Schedule? Of course not; 2007's Designer of the Year is fashionably late.