The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) held its annual Fashion Awards at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on Monday night. This prestigious event is highly anticipated by industry professionals and creatives, as it serves to showcase and elevate American designers on an international level.
This week's standout fashion moment goes to Rachel Zegler, who paid homage to a well-known scene from the Hunger Games.
New York-based designer Willy Chavarria, renowned for his oversized pants and collared shirts inspired by Chicano culture, was honored with the coveted Menswear Designer of the Year award. On the other hand, Catherine Holstein, the founder of Khaite, an acclaimed minimalist brand that gained recognition for its alluring yet refined knitwear, was presented with the corresponding prize in the womenswear category. (The accessory design category was triumphed by The Row, an esteemed brand established by the Olsen twins.)
Later in the evening, Anne Hathaway changed into a Rodarte Spring-Summer 2018 red tulle look.
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Demi Moore looked radiant in a Carolina Herrera sequined strapless gown from Spring-Summer 2024.
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Devon Lee Carlson was seen in a burgundy velvet Balenciaga look.
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Jeremy O. Harris wore a brown distressed leather trench coat by Coach.
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Chloe Sevigny stole the show in a sunshine yellow gown.
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Gwyneth Paltrow arrived in a custom G. Label by Goop look.
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Hari Nef arrived in hot-off-the-runway JW Anderson.
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Molly Ringwald stepped out in a scarlet red Zac Posen number.
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Jenna Lyons opted for a classic back suit with a fitted waist.
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Greta Lee arrived in a sculptural Loewe little black dress.
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Emma Chamberlain opted for a structured Thom Browne corset dress.
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Ashley Graham wore a semi-sheer polka dot gown.
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The standout looks from the CFDA Fashion Awards 2023
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The event's dress code leans more towards elegance than extravagance. For instance, a well-fitted black suit, like the one worn by Jenna Lyons, former J. Crew president and current "Real Housewives of New York" cast member, is considered a classic choice that leaves a lasting impression. Several fashion-forward A-list celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Chloe Sevigny, and Demi Moore, were present to make a statement.
One of the standout red carpet looks was Anne Hathaway's floral printed double-denim ensemble, featuring pieces from Ralph Lauren's Spring-Summer 2024 collection. While some may draw parallels to Britney Spears' infamous blue jean ball gown at the 2001 American Music Awards, it is more of a tribute to the Western inspiration that has long influenced the Ralph Lauren brand. Ralph Lauren himself is a respected member of the CFDA, having received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 and the CFDAs Fashion Legend trophy in 2007.
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Vanessa Hudgens wore a timeless black Vera Wang gown.
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Anne Hathaway's first look of the night was a double denim Ralph Lauren number.
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Serena Williams, the first athlete to be honored as a CFDA Fashion Icon, chose an all-American designer for her attire at the Natural History Museum. She wore a black sequined gown by Thom Browne, the current chairman of the CFDA. The gown featured sculptural embellished puff-sleeves and a dramatic train.
Accepting her award, Williams expressed, "Since I was a little girl, I've always known I was different, so I turned to fashion and style as a means to set myself apart. To me, the tennis courts were like my runway, and the U.S. Open was my very own New York Fashion Week."
Elsewhere, Vanessa Hudgens made a striking appearance at the CFDA Awards in a timeless black Vera Wang princess gown. The gown showcased a sweetheart bodice and was complemented by leather elbow gloves. This marks the second time Hudgens has chosen to wear Wang's creations to the event, with her lingerie-inspired ensemble turning heads last year. In a tribute to the celebrated designer's impact on bridal fashions, Hudgens presented Wang with an award. The gown exuded elegance, featuring the signature structured bust and voluminous draped skirt silhouette that embodies Wang's style. With its bold gothic flair, it could easily be envisioned as the perfect wedding dress for a bride seeking to make a statement.
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Law Roach's look feature some unconventional tailoring.
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Kim Kardashian wore Chrome Hearts.
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Kim Kardashian and Law Roach, meanwhile, broke from the ranks and chose to amplify smaller US designers in two equally eye-catching looks.
Kardashians opted for a black leather fitted halter neck gown, a more subdued choice compared to the bold Barbie pink Balenciaga dress she wore to the LACMA Gala a few days ago. The gown was crafted by Chrome Hearts, a Los Angeles-based label. Roach, on the other hand, arrived at the event in a deconstructed business suit from the popular Brooklyn-brand Luar. Instead of pants, the stylist chose to reveal his white briefs, adding fishnet stockings, shades, and a purse to complete his look.