The CFDA Awards are the most prestigious Fashion awards in the world. According to Council of Fashion Designers of America’s site, the awards are the “highest honor in fashion and recognize the outstanding contributions made to American fashion in womenswear, menswear, and accessories as well as journalism, creative vision, personal style, and lifetime achievement.” This year several fashion icons were honored including, Late Franca Sozzani, Italian Vogue editor-chief. He was honored posthumously by the council.
The CFDA Fashion Awards 2017 was undoubtedly a star studded affair with Heidi Klum, Diane Kruger, Olivia Palermo, Mandy Moore, Olivia Munn, Bella and Gigi Hadid in attendance. Hosted by funny man Seth Meyers, the awards night was definitely one of the hottest events in town and was presented by Karen Elson, Amber Valletta and Jon Bon Jovi. As the rockstar presented the first ever Inaugural Swarovski Award for Positive Change to designer Kenneth Cole, he said, “It’s great to be recognized for your shoes, but it’s better to be recognized for your soul.”
Menswear Designer of the Year
Raf Simons for Calvin Klein (Winner)
Robert Geller
Thom Browne
Tim Coppens
Todd Snyder
Accessory Designer of the Year
Stuart Vevers for Coach (Winner)
Irene Neuwirth
Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel for Mansur Gavriel
Paul Andrew
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent
Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock for Brock Collection
Gabriela Hearst
Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia for Monse (Winner)
Virgil Abloh for Off-White
Sander Lak for Sies Marjan
Womenswear Designer of the Year
Joseph Altuzarra
Raf Simons for Calvin Klein (Winner)
Marc Jacobs
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
Inaugural Swarovski Award for Positive Change – Kenneth Cole
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award – Rick Owens
International Award – Demna Gvasalia for Vetements and Balenciaga
The Founder’s Award – Pat McGrath
Board of Directors’ Tribute – Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem and Janelle Monáe
Fashion Icon Award – Franca Sozzani, Italian Vogue editor-chief, posthumous
Photo credits – shutterstock