The CFDA Awards took place at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where the fashion community gathered for a night of celebration. The event was filled with well-dressed guests and an undercurrent of tension due to the upcoming Presidential election.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand opened the event by urging attendees to use their talents to encourage voting. Host Cynthia Erivo emphasized that fashion is a dream that can be lived, echoing a sentiment from Anne Hathaway at a previous ceremony.
Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli delivered a powerful speech after receiving the International Designer Award. He shared his journey from being unemployed and sleeping on a friend’s floor to becoming the first American-born designer at a French couture Maison. Roseberry emphasized the importance of creating a unique vision in an industry focused on desirability and popularity.
Ruben Toledo accepted the Board of Directors Award on behalf of his late wife, Isabel Toledo, a Cuban designer. He spoke about her spirit and the purpose of creating beauty and inspiration.
Several other awards were presented throughout the night, including a special honor created by Anna Wintour and Thom Browne for photographer Annie Leibovitz. Michael Kors received the Positive Change Award for his philanthropic work, while Coach’s Stuart Vevers won the Amazon Innovation Award for sustainable design.
Erykah Badu was recognized with the Fashion Icon award, presented by Andre 3000. The event highlighted a new generation of designers reshaping New York’s fashion scene, with winners like Willy Chavarria, Raul Lopez, and Rachel Scott.
Overall, the CFDA Awards celebrated creativity and innovation in American fashion, showcasing the talent and dedication of designers who are shaping the industry. The event was a reminder of the importance of artistry and vision in an ever-changing world of style and design.
