Phoebe Philo, the creative director of Chloe, was named Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards Tuesday night – England’s answer to New York’s Council of Fashion Designers of America awards.

Ms. Philo, who is expecting her first baby next month with husband Max Wigram, picked up her award from Bryan Ferry, beating fellow nominees Christopher Bailey, the creative director of Burberry, and Roland Mouret to the coveted award.

The announcement came as little surprise to the fashion industry, which has heaped praise on the 31-year-old designer since she presented her first collection for spring 2002.

Ms. Philo had previously worked under Stella McCartney and took over as creative director when Ms. McCartney left to work under her own name with Gucci Group. Ms. Philo has shaped Chloe into an influential brand and has won a host of celebrity fans including Kate Hudson and Kirsten Dunst.

Alexander McQueen, himself a five time winner of Designer of the Year, took the award for menswear having only launched the line earlier this year.

Giles Deacon, who has been the hit of London fashion week since starting his own label two seasons ago, was voted best new designer for his elegant couture-inspired collections.

Mulberry, which has transformed itself from a sleepy leather-goods house into a hugely successful brand, picked up the award for accessories.

The ceremony marked the 20th anniversary of the awards and was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum.