The annual CFDA Fashion Awards took place on November 6th this year, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, honoring the incredible hard work the industry has produced. This year's awards are sponsored by Amazon fashion, and hosted by the incredible Anne Hathaway. It’s one of the biggest events of the year for industry insiders and creatives, as the ceremony aims to promote US designers on a global stage. Being nominated is a major accomplishment and mark of recognition from the US fashion industry and part of US fashion heritage. Let’s go check this year’s winners and nominees!

The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard

Alina Cho

Alina Cho, an American journalist, has had a distinguished career as a television correspondent and was formerly the host of CNN's "Fashion: Backstage Pass." She currently holds the position of Editor at Large at Ballantine Bantam Dell, a division of Penguin Random House, where she plays a vital role in the development and co-editing of books within the lifestyle and fashion genre.

American Menswear Designer of the Year

Willy Chavarria

WILLY CHAVARRIA's collections reflect a sensitive and cinematic approach, seamlessly intertwining the realms of art, contemporary politics, and human emotion. His designs tell a story of resilience, aiming to uplift and inspire while giving a voice to the voiceless. Drawing inspiration from both the biographical facets of Willy's life, which often pay homage to his Mexican-American heritage, and the vibrancy of the streets and cultures surrounding him, the brand has made a significant impact. It gained recognition through its thought-provoking and controversial runway presentations, leading to its inclusion in prestigious global stores like Barneys, Dover Street Market, Bergdorf Goodman, and Browns, as well as earning the admiration of the CFDA.

Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert

Domenico De Sole

Domenico De Sole assumed the role of president and CEO of the Gucci Group, leading the company's expansion by acquiring prestigious brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Stella McCartney. In 2004, De Sole and Ford left Gucci together, with Tom Ford taking his final bow under a cascade of rose petals. A year later, they co-founded the Tom Ford brand, initially launching beauty and eyewear, and subsequently expanding into men's and women's fashion. Their venture became one of the most remarkable success stories in 21st-century American fashion. For his debut women's collection in spring 2011, Ford made a statement by having Beyoncé, Julianne Moore, and Lauren Hutton walk the runway, with a strict no-photography policy. The show quickly became the talk of the season.

American Accessory Designer of the Year

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen are co-founders of The Row, which initially established roots in Los Angeles before flourishing in the bustling fashion landscape of New York City. Inspired by the esteemed Savile Row in London, the brand mirrors the bespoke institution's commitment to exquisite fabrics, impeccable detailing, and flawless fits. Since its inception, The Row has seamlessly translated these principles into its ready-to-wear, leather goods, and eyewear collections. With a focus on exceptional textures and precise tailoring, the house blends a timeless perspective with subtle nuances, creating a signature style that is both classic and unconventional. The Row's collections celebrate the power of simplistic shapes, embodying a sense of discretion and understated elegance. Rooted in the concept of crafting understated essentials to form a unique wardrobe, the brand curates elevated basics that epitomize uncompromising luxury, making it a go-to destination for those seeking refined and sophisticated fashion choices.

American Emerging Designer of the Year

Rachel Scott

Rachel Scott is the founder of Diotima, a fashion brand that seamlessly merges Jamaican vibrancy with New York's cosmopolitan flair. Their year-round and seasonally interchangeable wardrobe reflects meticulous craftsmanship, unexpected details, and premium materials. Rooted in Caribbean and European traditions, Diotima redefines Caribbean style by deconstructing cultural convergences. This brand offers a fresh perspective, inviting fashion enthusiasts on an exciting journey into the fusion of cultures and traditions.

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Maria Cornejo

Maria Cornejo is the founder and creative director of Zero + Maria Cornejo which celebrates their 25th Anniversary this year. Since its establishment in 1998, Cornejo's brand has stood as a beacon of sustainability, a core principle upon which it was founded. She is not only a pioneer of timeless fashion but also a trailblazer in the realm of design-forward creations, long before the term "quiet luxury" came into vogue. Cornejo's garments are a testament to her commitment to sustainability, incorporating upcycled materials, local manufacturing, and minimalist geometric shapes. Before launching her eponymous label, the talented designer, hailing from Chile, honed her skills in fashion capitals like London, Milan, Paris, and Tokyo. Her journey to success began with collaborations, notably with John Richmond to create the renowned collection, Richmond Cornejo. Additionally, she provided her expertise as a consultant for esteemed fashion houses like Joseph, Tehem, and Jigsaw. In 1996, Cornejo made her mark in the bustling fashion scene of New York, further solidifying her reputation as a visionary in sustainable and design-forward fashion.

Fashion Icon Award

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a tennis champion and is the first athlete to ever receive this prestigious award. Williams, who smashed countless records during her career, is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, designer, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Driven by a lifelong passion for design, amidst her triumphs she found time to attend fashion school, channeling her creativity into her craft. In 2018, she launched her own clothing line, S by Serena. This venture was more than just a business endeavor; it was a heartfelt mission to empower individuals to embrace their best selves, both inside and out. Serena expanded her creative horizons in 2019 when she introduced her eponymous jewelry line. This collection was a tribute to strong, confident women, designed to commemorate life's genuine milestones. Serena's journey from the tennis court to the world of fashion and jewelry embodies a spirit of determination and creativity. Her vision goes beyond mere design; it's a celebration of empowerment and self-expression, inspiring people to embrace their unique journeys with style and confidence.

The International Designer of the Year

Jonathan Anderson

Jonathan Anderson is the creative director for Loewe and also is the founder of brand JW Anderson. In the years since, Anderson has steered himself through the perilous reefs of hot-young-designerdom to mature into a wunderkind who continues to reinvent, surprise — and sell. It has been a decade since LVMH asked him to take on Loewe, the then-dusty Spanish leather goods house that was this year named “hottest brand in the world” by the attention-economy aggregator Lyst. Along the way, he has repeatedly proved that he can concentrate on at least two things at once: whether in womenswear or menswear, in London, Milan, or Paris, for JW Anderson or Loewe, and in fashion or beyond.

The Board of Directors Tribute

Vera Wang

“I see myself as an arbiter of taste,” Vera Wang said in a Vogue interview, in 1990. Promoting her new Madison Avenue bridal boutique, she talked about styling weddings down to the very last elegant detail. In short order, her brand was becoming the gold standard in custom-made wedding dresses. And before a decade had passed, the powerhouse would parlay it into a multimillion-dollar lifestyle and fashion enterprise. Endless celebrities would get married in a Vera Wang dress, including Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman, and Mariah Carey, as well as political daughters Karenna Gore and Chelsea Clinton.

Environmental Sustainability Award

Mara Hoffman

With a profound love for the environment, they made a conscious decision to reduce their ecological impact. Embracing organic and certified materials, and opting for smaller-scale production, the designer aimed to tread lightly on the Earth, fostering a more eco-conscious approach to fashion. To Mara Hoffman, life embodies a continuous creative expression. For her, the essence of her work lies in keen observation and translating the vibrant energy she absorbs from her surroundings. Adopting a holistic perspective, she views her role as more than just a designer; she perceives her company as a living, breathing entity. In her eyes, it evolves, experiences growth, endures challenges, heals, nurtures, and is nurtured—a dynamic existence akin to the life cycles of saplings, flowers, or blades of grass. This profound connection to the natural world fuels her creative journey, shaping her unique approach to fashion.

Innovation Award

Gwyneth Paltro

Gwyneth Paltro is the founder of lifestyle brand Goop. Established in 2008 and gearing up to mark its 15th milestone this fall, goop stands as an essential hub, connecting enthusiasts with top-notch products, invaluable tips, and expert advice spanning the realms of beauty, fashion, food, and wellness. With an array of accolades gracing its beauty and fashion lines and a rich editorial perspective, goop provides a comprehensive toolkit for embracing a life characterized by incomparable beauty—a life brimming with empowerment, substance, and potential. Through its curated offerings, goop empowers individuals to embrace a life enriched with depth and promise, making it a go-to destination for seekers of holistic well-being and exquisite living.

American Womenswear Designer of the Year

Catherine Holstein

Catherine Holstein is the founder and creative director of brand KHAITE, a collection of womenswear and accessories that is currently available across 190 countries worldwide. Renowned for her exceptional talent in crafting pieces that effortlessly blend sophistication with relatability, Holstein has earned high praise from Vogue, who dubbed her "a go-to source for the clothing women truly desire." Since its inception in 2016, KHAITE has swiftly evolved from its roots in reimagined American sportswear. The brand's offerings, including "timeless jeans that stand the test of trends" (as described by the Wall Street Journal) and knitwear hailed as "simply elegant" by The New York Times, have expanded to include impeccable tailoring, enchanting flou, and coveted outerwear. KHAITE's journey has been nothing short of remarkable, capturing the essence of refined fashion while maintaining an approachable allure.

To be continued…

In the world of fashion, the CFDA Awards stand as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and sheer talent that fuel this ever-evolving industry. To all the winners and nominees of the 2023 CFDA Awards, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and style has not only left a lasting impact on the fashion world bus has also inspired the next generation of creators. Here’s to your remarkable achievements, and may your artistic journeys continue to flourish, leaving an indelible work on the future of fashion.

NOMINEES

American Menswear: Mike Amiri (AMIRI), Tom Brown (Tom Browne), Colm Dillane (Kid Super), Teddy Von Ranson (TEDDY VONRANSON)

American Accessories Designer: Brandon Blackwood, Raul Lopez (Luar), Stuart Vevers (Coach), Ana Khouri

American Emerging Designer: Connor McKnight, Tanner Richie (Tanner Fletcher), Carly Mark (Puppets and Puppets), Bach Mai

American Womenswear: Tory Burch, Raul Lopez (Luar), Chistopher John Rogers, Joseph Altuzarra (Altuzarra)

References

https://www.vogue.com/article/jonathan-anderson-i-just-love-the-work-and-i-hate-bullshit
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/designer/vera-wang
https://www.vogue.com/article/learn-to-talk-to-trees-with-designer-mara-hoffman
https://www.vogue.com/article/domenico-de-sole-fashions-turn-of-the-century-trailblazer-on-30-years-of-leadership
https://www.vogue.com/article/cfda-fashion-award-2023-winners
https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/cfda-awards-2023-fashion-live-from-the-red-carpet
https://cfda.com/cfda-fashion-awards/2023

2023 CFDA FASHION AWARDS