CFDA Awards Top Designers
Francisco Costa, Tom Ford, Tory Burch Take Top Honors
The annual Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, one of fashion’s biggest nights for designers, took place on June 2 at the New York Public Library. Due to weakening enthusiasm in past years, the show was shifted so that this year, the awards were handed out first, and the dinner served second. The writer Fran Lebowitz hosted the event.
Best Women’s Designer of the Year
Winner: Francisco Costa (Calvin Klein)
Three celebrities were on hand to model outfits by the nominees. Eva Mendes wore Costa’s design, a lengthy simple white dress. The two other oufits on display were a Marc Jacobs cutout heart dress worn by Victoria Beckham and a printed green Proenza Schouler top worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Men’s Designer of the Year
Winner: Tom Ford
His advertisements for Spring/Summer 2008 are as risque as ever, featuring numerous naked men and women, some casual, some in provocative poses. In addition to his clothing line, he currently has a new offering of sunglasses for summer.
Accessories Designer of the Year
Winner: Tory Burch
Burch’s colorful shoes and bags are virtually everywhere, recognizable by the T logo on each of them. Some of her current shoe offerings are darker and higher than her signature flats. She also shows plenty of sandals for summer, including the very of-the-moment gladiater sandal. One of the chicest pairs of new shoes is the LeeLee Ballet Flat. Made of patent leather, the shoe is color blocked with a brown toe, white center and beige back. The "T" signature is brown-on-brown.
Women’s Wear
Winner: Kate and Laura Mulleavy (Rodarte)
These young sisters have taken the fashion world by a storm. Their most recent collection for fall includes ballet-inspired poofy tulle skirts, very feminine.
Men’s Wear
Winner: Scott Sternberg (Band of Outsiders)
A former Hollywood agent, Sternberg founded Band of Outsiders in 2004. His line for fall 2008 includes dark tones and plaid. He also designers a women’s line, Boy.
Accessories
Winner: Philip Crangi
Special Awards
Lifetime Achievement: Carolina Herrera
Herrera, a fashion veteran, routinely brings class to her clothing and accessory designs. She has a clothing collection, bridal collection, accessories, cosmetics and fragrances. Celebrities, such as Renee Zellwegger, routinely wear Herrera's gowns on the red carpet. Herrera herself has a signature look, often seen and photographed in crisp white button-down shirts and elegant skirts. She always looks polished.
Dries Van Noten
Candy Pratts Price (executive fashion director of Style.com)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg (for helping keep fashion shows at Bryant Park through 2010)
Source:
- Wilson, Eric. The New York Times Online. 3 June 2008.
