Hussein Chalayan has been voted British Designer of the Year for the second year running at the Rover British Fashion Awards.

Chalayan's table skirt was the talk of the town during this year's London Fashion Week, although the award was for his 1999 collections.

The Turkish-Cypriot-born Londoner, 29, beat off opposition from husband-and-wife team Clements Ribeiro and Matthew Williamson.

"It's a very encouraging thing. It makes you feel you're on the right track," he said.

For the critics, who have been underwhelmed by many of the autumn/winter collections this week, it was apt that the prize should go to one of the most innovative designers in London.

His collection was the highlight of a week which will be remembered not so much for controversial clothes but for Posh Spice walking down the catwalk.

Victoria Beckham, wearing an outfit by her favourite designer Maria Grachvogel, was back on Friday to present Tracy Boyd with the new generation designer award.

Even the new designs of Alexander McQueen, whose show was hit by animal rights protesters angry about the use of fur in the fashion industry, were generally greeted with disappointment.

At Friday night's award ceremony the Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair showed off her pregnancy in a full length red dress and coat by former British Designer of the Year Betty Jackson.

Mrs Blair, who is expecting her fourth child in May, was accompanied by Pauline Prescott, wife of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

The prime minister's wife was there to present the contemporary collection award to Joseph Ettedgui.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney saw his designer daughter Stella pick up the award for most glamorous fashions of 1999.

The McCartneys arrived with Jerry Hall, the former wife of Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger.