As one of the most important nights on the fashion calendar, the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America awards brought together an array of celebrities, designers and starlets. As always many of the nominees arrived with their favourite muse’s on their arms dressed in their creations, ready for the cameras to start their onslaught of flashes.
There were plunging necklines, cut out sides and metallic gowns galore. Our favourite had to be style maven Olivia Palermo wearing a Dennis Basso tasseled and embellished number, finished off with metallic heels. The models included Miranda Kerr and Karolina Kurkova who stunned in dresses look-at-me-frocks. Sofia Vergara displayed off her curves in an emerald green Herve Leroux gown while Jessica Chastain played it simple, yet chic in a Givenchy cocktail dress.
The big winners of the evening were Proenza Schouler designers, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, who were awarded Womenswear Designer of the year for the third time in five years. Philip Lim claimed accessory designer and Thom Browne for men’s wear.
Miranda Kerr represented Proenza Schouler in a stunning metallic blue number
The highlight of the evening had to be when Hillary Clinton joked with the audience: “I’m going to pitch a show for Bravo. We can call it Project Pantsuit.” Before she turned her attention to Oscar De La Renta who received a standing ovation when presented with the Founders Award. The ever-gracious designer accepted the prestigious award and commended each and everyone of the other nominees.
Looking ultra chic in Givenchy, Jessica Chastain rocks the monochrome carpet
The wonderful Vera Wang also left her mark on the ceremony as she collected her Lifetime Achievement Award. When discussing her career she exclaimed: “Looking back can be both difficult and diminishing. But what I can do is acknowledge the courage, passion, and efforts that define every designer in this room. I’m blessed to be amongst you.” Of course a rippling applause and another standing ovation followed suit.
Ralph Lauren with Vera Wang, winner of the Lifetime Achievement award
The after parties that followed were spread uptown and downtown, competing with one another for the most glamorous guests. Henry Kissinger’s birthday celebrations saw Diane Von Furstenberg mingling with Mrs Clinton and Oscar De La Renta at the Givenchy party, there was also a Swarvoski bash and at Vera Wang’s celebratory supper at the Four Seasons hotel the celebrating went well into the night.
THE WINNERS
Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler
Menswear Designer of the Year: Thom Browne
Accessories Designer of the Year: Phillip Lim
Swarovski Award for Womenswear: Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis of Suno
Swarovski Award for Menswear: Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne of Public School
Swarovski Award for Accessories Design: Pamela Love
Founders Award: Oscar de la Renta
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Vera Wang
Media Award, in honor of Eugenia Sheppard: Tim Blanks
International Award: Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy
Board of Directors’ Tribute: Colleen Atwood
Images: Getty
