Ralph Lauren Honored as Womenswear Designer of the Year at CFDA Fashion Awards

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (Cfda) has unveiled the winners of the latest edition of the most prestigious fashion awards in the United States, held last Monday. Ralph Lauren has received the award for American women’s fashion designer of the year, and in the same category of men’s fashion, the award went to Thom Browne, at a gala that took place at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

With a line-up of nominees that spanned all the creative movements of the moment, from designers Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen of The Row, a New York-based luxury brand characterized by its premium minimalism , who received the award, to American accessories designers from the world’s leading fashion houses.

American accessories designer of the year, to Seoul-born designer Ashlyn Park, founder of her label Ashlyn, known for a no-waste approach to design, who was recognized with the emerging designer of the year award. U.S. rapper A$AP Rocky received the fashion icon award.

Cfda Fahion Awards honored big names in the industry such as Ralph Rucci and Donatella Versace

The Cfda Fashion Awards continued with the presentation of the Innovation Award to Jerry Lorenzo, founder of Fear of God, one of the best-known contemporary luxury and streetwear brands in the industry today. The international award was received by Pieter Mulier, designer and founder of Alaïa.

Other figures were also honored with special awards at the ceremony: Donatella Versace was honored with the Positive Change Award, for her advocacy for the Lgtbiq+ community as well as for her support of young talent; as well as designer Ralph Rucci, who received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Archievement Award, in recognition of his exceptional career in American haute couture; Pieter Mulier, creative director of Alaïa, was awarded the International Designer of the Year, highlighting his contribution to the legacy of the French house W Magazine. 

On the other hand, editor Sara Moonves was recognized with the Media Award for her influence on fashion through journalism; Cynthia Rowley received the Founder’s Award in recognition of her contribution to the legacy of the French house. Founder’s Award in recognition of her impact on American fashion, and finally, Andre Walker was honored with the Board of Directors’ Tribute for his career and contributions to design.

Cfda was founded in 1962 by leading designers of the time, including Stanley Marcus, Oscar de la Renta and Norman Norell, among others, with the goal of promoting American fashion and supporting its designers. Since 1981, the Cfda has organized the Fashion Awards, the ceremony that recognizes excellence and innovation in fashion design.