Gabriel Moses trailblazer award honoree's work: his Rihanna magazine cover at left and a portrait featuring director Spik.

Self-Taught Photographer Gabriel Moses Joins Designers as Trailblazer Award Winner

User avatar placeholder
Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-11-15

Gabriel Moses, a self-taught photographer from South London, is the latest recipient of the gabriel moses trailblazer award, which he will receive at The Fashion Awards 2026. The ceremony takes place on Monday 30 November at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the award on 10 November 2026. The honour places Moses alongside designers who have previously received the prize, including Kim Jones, Sarah Burton OBE, Alessandro Michele, Edward Enniful OBE and Remo Ruffini.

Prizes like this one often spotlight visual storytellers, much as Lukas Furlan’s Award-Winning Natural Wonder Photography does in a different genre, showing how photo awards reward distinctive vision.

Laura Weir, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, said in a press release.

“Gabriel is one of those rare creative talents whose work has an unmistakable visual language and emotional resonance. Across fashion, music, film and art, he has helped shape contemporary visual culture, while opening up new perspectives and inspiring a generation of creatives. We’re delighted to celebrate Gabriel at The Fashion Awards this year and recognise the extraordinary contribution he continues to make to British and global creative culture.”

Early career and portfolio

Moses is a British-Nigerian photographer, filmmaker and creative director. He grew up in South London, and his work draws on that upbringing and his Nigerian heritage.

He made his directorial debut with Nike at 18. Entirely self-taught, he went on to become the youngest photographer to shoot a Dazed cover, doing so at 22.

His commissions include campaigns and collaborations with Louis Vuitton, Dior, Burberry and Moncler. He has also photographed Pharrell Williams, Jay Z, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, Cher and Travis Scott, among others.

In 2024, Moses released his first monograph Regina. The BFC also notes that he was named the trophy designer for the 2025 BRIT Award.

For readers interested in how a photographer’s personal book can reflect deep themes, Yeondoo Jung’s Wonderland: Children’s Dreams Made Real is a striking example of imagination turned into photographic reality.

About the gabriel moses trailblazer award

The BFC describes the honour as recognising a leading creative voice who has made an impactful and innovative contribution to contemporary culture. The council says Moses’s work has expanded how identity, heritage and community appear in mainstream media.

The Fashion Awards, which the BFC describes as the world’s biggest fashion fundraiser, spotlights creative voices across fashion, music, film, sport and performance. Proceeds support the BFC’s work to back British designers and businesses. The BFC thanks Presenting Partner Pandora and Official Partners Johnnie Walker and The Peninsula London for supporting the event.

Moses responded to news of the recognition with a short statement.

“It’s a blessing to receive such a prestigious award. I’ve put a lot of heart into my practice from the moment I started, and moments like this are a testament to honest work. I’m grateful to the long list of collaborators who have trusted my ideas.”

For a fashion photographer who started without formal training, becoming a trailblazer award winner marks a public milestone. The ceremony on 30 November will show how far that path has carried him.

Gabriel Moses trailblazer award honoree's work: his Rihanna magazine cover at left and a portrait featuring director Spik.
Influential fashion photographer Gabriel Moses is being honored at The Fashion Awards 2026. His cover of Rihanna for HommeGirls Volume 14 in September 2025 (left) and his image featuring director Spike Lee for Timberland’s Autumn/Winter 2025 campaign (right)

H/T petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gabriel Moses, the self-taught photographer receiving the Trailblazer Award?

Gabriel Moses is a British-Nigerian photographer, filmmaker and creative director from South London. He is entirely self-taught and became the youngest photographer to shoot a Dazed cover, doing so at 22.

When and where is The Fashion Awards 2026 ceremony held?

The Fashion Awards 2026 takes place on Monday 30 November at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Gabriel Moses will receive the Trailblazer Award at the ceremony.

Which designers have previously won the gabriel moses trailblazer award?

Previous recipients of the award include Kim Jones, Sarah Burton OBE, Alessandro Michele, Edward Enniful OBE and Remo Ruffini. Moses joins these designers as the latest winner.

Where do the proceeds from The Fashion Awards go?

Proceeds from The Fashion Awards support the British Fashion Council’s work to back British designers and businesses. The event is described as the world’s biggest fashion fundraiser.

Menu