The 2019 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards took place last night at the Brooklyn Museum for the second time in a row. The CFDA Foundation which has Tom Ford taking over as Chairman this June was founded in 1962 as a not-for-profit trade association. Its membership consists of more than 500 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewellery and accessory designers.
Often referred to as the Oscars of fashion, the annual CFDA Awards recognizes outstanding achievement in the fashion and entertainment industries and as always, the event did not disappoint.
The apex of the night was Diane Von Furstenberg’s speech after Michael Kors surprised her with a tribute before she handed over the organisation’s chairmanship to Tom Ford. “I have been privileged to lead the CFDA for the last 13 years. In fashion, we are about glamorous entrances, but beautiful exits are equally important. I could not have wished for a better exit, a more glamorous upgrade, and a better successor than Tom Ford.” She said.
Jennifer Lopez received the Fashion Icon Award while costume designer Bob Mackie was awarded the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with Cher, Diana Ross, Bette Midler and a host of other celebrities. Rick Owens was named Menswear Designer of the Year while Brandon Maxwell was named Womenswear Designer of the Year. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were awarded Accessory Designer of the Year for their luxury label, The Row.
Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Jessica Williams piloted the 2019 CFDA Awards which had some of the biggest names in the industry in attendance. Guests stepped out in varying shades of stunning designs and we’ve got our faves!
Check out the most rave-worthy looks from the 2019 CFDA red carpet + full list of winners…
Winners’ list…
Menswear Designer of the Year: Rick Owens
Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard: Lynn Yaeger
Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert: Carine Roitfeld
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Mackie
Accessory Designer of the Year: Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, The Row
Board of Directors’ Tribute: Barbie
Emerging Designer of the Year: Emily Adams Bode, Bode
Positive Change Award: Eileen Fisher
Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti International Award: Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen
Womenswear Designer of the Year: Brandon Maxwell
Fashion Icon Award: Jennifer Lopez
Photo credit: Shutterstock, Getty Images
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