Erykah Badu was honored with the fashion icon award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, where she playfully expressed her excitement for receiving an honor she had been hoping for most of her life. At the awards ceremony in Manhattan, Badu sported a headdress of jewels and a Thom Browne jacket while accepting the award and jokingly referred to dressing up as a sport, therapy, and even her husband. André 3000, the father of Badu’s son, introduced her with a playful gesture of bringing an orange caution cone on stage, adding to the fun atmosphere of the event.
The CFDA Fashion Awards ceremony took place at the American Museum of Natural History and featured celebrities like Katie Holmes and Kylie Jenner, along with designers and fashion industry giants gathering to celebrate excellence in design. Cynthia Erivo, star of the movie “Wicked,” hosted the evening, adorned in a hooded gown from Gap designed by Zac Posen. The final award of the night was presented to Rachel Scott of Diotima for womenswear designer of the year, who emotionally thanked her mother and the women who crochet her designs in Jamaica, her home country. Scott, recognized for her knit designs, shared her journey from being part of design teams to receiving individual recognition, expressing her gratitude for the honor.
Pop star Troye Sivan presented the menswear designer of the year award to Willy Chavarria, who emphasized the importance of diversity and unity in the current political climate. Chavarria acknowledged the concerns about rights and highlighted the strength that comes from the diverse fabric of humanity. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand urged the influential figures in attendance to use their platform to motivate their followers to vote in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of democracy and choice. Fashion designer Thom Browne, who is also the CFDA chair, echoed the message of voting and encouraged everyone to make their voices heard through their choices.
Designer Henry Zankov, known for his colorful knitwear, was honored with the emerging designer of the year award by actor Molly Gordon and designer Brandon Maxwell. Zankov, alongside other nominees, showcased the innovative and creative spirit driving the fashion industry forward. Celebrity duo Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie presented the award for accessory designer of the year to Raul Lopez of Luar, who dedicated the win to immigrants and aimed to inspire future generations in the industry. Meanwhile, international designer of the year Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli gained recognition for his innovative designs that have graced red carpets and captivated audiences with their unconventional couture style.
The awards ceremony also honored industry icons such as Stephen Burrows, who received the lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the fashion world. Annie Leibovitz was recognized with the media award, while Michael Kors received the positive change award. And in a unique accolade, the Amazon Innovation Award was presented to Stuart Vevers, highlighting his creative contributions to the fashion landscape. Erykah Badu’s fashion icon recognition places her among esteemed celebrities who have previously received the title, showcasing her influence and impact on the fashion industry. With a night filled with celebration, recognition, and a call for action, the CFDA Fashion Awards highlighted the diverse talent and creativity within the fashion community.
