Stella Mccartney - Stella McCartney crowned British Designer of the Year

Stella McCartney crowned British Designer of the Year

Stella Mccartney was named British Designer of the Year at the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards last night (31.10.12).

The 41-year-old designer picked up the coveted award at the glittering reception held at London's Claridge's Hotel and was rewarded for her services to fashion.

Stella admitted she struggles to juggle being a mother-of-four with her designer duties, but hopes to prove to women everywhere they can succeed in the industry.

She told Harper's Bazaar magazine: ''Honestly, it's not easy and it's silly to pretend that it is... I lose it sometimes. If I've had four hours' sleep because I was at something late and up early with the kids, then I am not a particularly good mum and not a particularly good colleague at work.''

Stella's signature style, which mixes sportswear influences with tailored vintage-style pieces, has been growing in popularity in recent years.

As well as designing Team GB's sportswear for the London 2012 Olympics, she has launched her own perfume, designed a range of sunglasses and created a clothing line for Adidas.

She said her Olympics role was one of her biggest challenges, admitting: ''I did get very involved, mentally as well as physically, and got emotionally drained. So much work went into it, more than I can imagine now.''

Christian Dior's new creative director Raf Simons was rewarded for his impressive debut collection at Spring/Summer 13 Paris Fashion Week by scoring the Man in a Woman's World gong.

The Inspiration of the Year award went to Dame Vivienne Westwood, while Anya Hindmarch was named the Businesswoman of the Year.

Some of fashion's biggest stars including male supermodel David Gandy, Daisy Lowe and designer L'Wren Scott were in attendance at the glamorous bash.