New York Fashion Week officially starts tomorrow, though we’ve already seen collections from Rachel Comey, Brandon Maxwell, and Proenza Schouler’s Rachel Scott. Ralph Lauren is back in the mix tonight, with a show at his headquarters Uptown. Afterwards, the CFDA is gathering designers at the Rainbow Room for an opening night party. Many of those in attendance will have something to celebrate: the nominees and honorees for this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards, which will take place on November 3 at the American Museum of Natural History, have just been announced.
Ralph Lauren is nominated for American Womenswear Designer of the Year, returning to the fold after a handful of years. Joining him are Tory Burch, Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera, and first-timer Daniella Kallmeyer, plus Rachel Scott for her own label Diotima. Scott won for Emerging Designer in 2023 and for Womenswear in 2024—could she keep up her winning streak?
As for menswear, Mike Amiri, Thom Browne, and Willy Chavarria are nominated once more, though here are two fun surprises: Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta have made the cut for their work for Eckhaus Latta, as have Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for their menswear for The Row. The Olsens have already won CFDA Awards for both womenswear and accessories. A trifecta is unprecedented.
The Olsens are also nominated for Accessories Designer of the Year. Joining them are Ana Khouri, Catherine Holstein for Khaite, Raul Lopez for Luar, and Tory Burch.
The Emerging Designer of the Year category, presented by Google Shopping, includes Taylor Thompson for 5000, Colleen Allen, and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists Ashlynn Park for Ashlyn, Julian Louie for Aubero, and Bernard James.
As for this year’s honorees: Ralph Rucci will receive this year’s Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. The Isabel Toledo Board of Directors’ Tribute will be given to Andre Walker and the Media Award in honor of Eugenia Sheppard will go to Sara Moonves of W Magazine. The Founder’s Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert recipient is Cynthia Rowley, and this year’s International Designer of the Year is Pieter Mulier for Alaïa. Donatella Versace will receive the Positive Change Award for her philanthropic efforts, her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, and her support of young talents.