Elton's Public Praise For Alessandro

Elton John was feeling the love last night as he presented Gucci'sAlessandro Michele with the Designer award at the GQ Men of the Year awards. The singer, and Vogue cover star, took the opportunity to share his views on the Italian label, and didn't pull any punches in doing so.

"When Tom Ford left Gucci it all went very pear-shaped, a bit like myself. You could go in there and fire a cannon through Gucci because the clothes were so f***ing awful," he said, having introduced Michele as "someone who's actually got some talent in fashion", reports The Telegraph. Thanks to Michele injecting energy, colour and passion into the house, he added, "now you have to fight your way into Gucci."

"Fashion needs it because it's as dull as f***ing dishwater at the moment," he continued.

Michele has clocked up countless accolades since assuming the top role at Gucci in January 2015 - including the International Designer award at the 2015 British Fashion Awards and the International Award at this year's CFDA Awards - but he wasn't the only man of the moment being honoured last night.

Poldark star Aidan Turner picked up the Television Actor award; John Boyega was awarded the Vertu Breakthrough Actor; while Ricky Gervais picked up the Genius Award.