CFDA Fashion Awards 2026: All the Winners

New York's American Museum of Natural History welcomed fashion's leading designers, cultural figures, and creative pioneers on November 2 for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, presented by Amazon Fashion. Hosted by Keke Palmer, the ceremony brought together established industry leaders and emerging talents for an evening celebrating American fashion's creative achievements.

CFDA Chairman Thom Browne welcomed the guests before the announcement of four competitive designer awards. Additional honors recognized contributions to photography, architecture, retail, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation. The evening offered a portrait of an industry whose influence extends throughout the creative landscape.

Rachel Scott: American Womenswear Designer of the Year

Rachel Scott received American Womenswear Designer of the Year for Diotima, with Lupita Nyong'o and Francisco Costa presenting the award.

The Jamaican-born designer has developed an influential approach to luxury womenswear through contemporary tailoring, intricate crochet, and collaborations with Jamaican artisans. Founded in 2021, Diotima explores Caribbean cultural heritage through a sophisticated design language that brings artisanal techniques into modern fashion.

Scott's recognition arrives during an important chapter in her career, as she also leads the creative direction of Proenza Schouler. Her award celebrates a designer whose distinctive creative identity has become an important presence within American luxury.

Ralph Lauren: American Menswear Designer of the Year

Ralph Lauren received American Menswear Designer of the Year, presented by Matt Damon and Tremaine Emory.

Nearly six decades after establishing his fashion house, Lauren continues to shape the visual language of American menswear. His approach brings together traditional tailoring, sportswear, collegiate references, and an enduring fascination with American lifestyle.

The recognition reinforces his position within an industry that continues to revisit the elegance and versatility of classic American dressing. His influence remains visible across contemporary menswear, from relaxed tailoring to the revival of heritage sportswear.

Ana Khouri: American Accessory Designer of the Year

Brazilian-born fine jewelry designer Ana Khouri received American Accessory Designer of the Year, presented by Naomi Osaka and Joseph Altuzarra.

Trained in sculpture, Khouri approaches jewelry through its relationship with the human body. Her designs incorporate fluid forms, unusual proportions, and carefully positioned precious stones, allowing individual pieces to interact with the wearer's anatomy.

Her recognition acknowledges the growing importance of artistic experimentation within luxury accessories. Through her distinctive approach to contemporary jewelry, Khouri continues to explore the relationship between precious materials, sculpture, and personal adornment.

Colleen Allen: American Emerging Designer of the Year

Colleen Allen won the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year award, presented by Cole Escola and Gabriela Hearst.

Her namesake label has attracted attention through darkly romantic silhouettes, historical dress references, and an expressive approach to contemporary womenswear. Allen frequently explores sculptural proportions and the visual language of traditional garments, introducing a distinctly personal aesthetic.

The evening also brought attention to her work through Gracie Abrams, who attended the ceremony wearing a black velvet Colleen Allen dress.

The award recognizes Allen's emerging position within American fashion and the creative potential of independent designer-led businesses.

Anthony Vaccarello: International Designer of the Year

Anthony Vaccarello received International Designer of the Year for his creative contribution to Saint Laurent.

Hailey Bieber, ROSÉ, and Zoë Kravitz presented the award, reflecting the close relationship between the French house and contemporary cultural figures.

Over a decade of creative leadership, Vaccarello has developed a recognizable aesthetic through precise tailoring, body-conscious silhouettes, and refined sensuality. His interpretation of Saint Laurent's heritage has helped shape the house's contemporary identity and international visibility.

Tory Burch: Positive Change Award

Anna Wintour presented Tory Burch with the Positive Change Award, recognizing her contributions to women's entrepreneurship.

Through the Tory Burch Foundation, the designer has supported entrepreneurs by expanding access to capital, education, mentorship, and professional opportunities.

The recognition highlights the relationship between commercial success and social responsibility, acknowledging Burch's commitment to creating opportunities for women beyond the fashion industry.

Inez & Vinoodh: Lifetime Achievement Award

Photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Charles Star Matadin.

For four decades, the creative duo has shaped fashion imagery through editorial photography, advertising, and portraiture. Their experimental visual language explores identity, beauty, and the relationship between the human figure and photographic representation.

Their recognition celebrates the image-makers whose artistic contributions influence how fashion is experienced and remembered.

Peter Marino: Fashion Icon Award

Architect Peter Marino received the Fashion Icon Award, presented by Cornelia Guest.

Known for his distinctive personal style and influential luxury retail interiors, Marino has contributed to the visual identities of major fashion houses through architecture and design.

His recognition extends the definition of fashion influence into the spaces where collections are displayed, purchased, and experienced.

Gap Inc.: Innovation Award

Gap Inc. received the Innovation Award presented by Amazon Fashion, with Demi Moore announcing the recipient.

The recognition acknowledges the company's influence within American fashion retail and its ongoing creative development.

Through its portfolio of brands and contemporary design initiatives, Gap Inc. continues to explore the relationship between everyday clothing, cultural relevance, and accessible fashion.

Eva Chen: Media Award

Laufey presented Eva Chen with the Media Award in honor of Eugenia Sheppard.

Chen's career spans fashion journalism and digital technology, including her leadership at Instagram. Her work has helped develop connections between designers, creators, fashion businesses, and international audiences.

The award recognizes her contribution to an increasingly interconnected fashion media landscape, where editorial influence extends across traditional and digital platforms.

Linda Fargo: Founder's Award

Michael Kors presented Linda Fargo with the Founder's Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert.

Celebrating three decades at Bergdorf Goodman, Fargo has played an influential role in fashion curation, visual merchandising, and designer discovery.

Her distinctive creative perspective has helped shape the relationship between luxury retail and fashion culture, establishing the department store as an important platform for designers and artistic presentation.

Susan Cianciolo: Isabel Toledo Tribute

Susan Cianciolo received the Isabel Toledo Board of Directors' Tribute, presented by the designers of threeASFOUR.

Her experimental RUN collections brought together fashion, visual art, performance, and collaborative craftsmanship.

Through handwork, reuse, and interdisciplinary artistic practices, Cianciolo developed a distinctive approach to clothing that continues to influence conversations about creative community and sustainable fashion.

Her recognition celebrates the importance of experimentation and independent artistic expression within American fashion.

CFDA Fashion Awards: Celebrating Creative Futures

The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards reflected the breadth of creative contributions shaping the industry, from emerging designers and established fashion houses to photography, architecture, philanthropy, and digital media.

The ceremony also marked the thirtieth anniversary of the CFDA Scholarship Fund. Sara Moonves announced the upcoming CFDA and WYouth Scholarship, presented by Nuuly, which will support two students beginning in 2027. As American fashion continues to evolve, the CFDA's recognition of artistic individuality, cultural influence, and professional development highlights the many forms of creativity supporting its future.