Erykah Badu, Annie Leibovitz, Willy Chavarria Shape American Fashion at 2024 CFDA Awards

With a gathering of luminaries at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the 2024 CFDA Awards crystallized the emergence of fashion’s next vanguard.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards is an annual celebration honoring the creative talents, innovators, and visionaries who are shaping the future of American fashion. This historic event spotlights designers and brands pushing boundaries while redefining the aesthetics of contemporary fashion and shattering industry conventions. With honorees ranging from Willy Chavarria and Daniel Roseberry to the iconic Annie Leibovitz, the CFDA Awards act as a powerful catalyst for intentional creativity and change within the fashion world.

“Fashion, like democracy, is about choices and individual decisions that have the power to create culture and communities—and define the future we want, we need, and we deserve.” remarked CFDA Board Chairman Thom Browne, underscoring the transformative role fashion plays in society.

The event was a star-studded affair, with VIP guests gracing the red carpet in a variety of timeless and captivating looks. Kylie Jenner turned heads in a black monochrome Jean Paul Gaultier Spring-Summer 2023 ensemble featuring a dramatic feathered texture and sleek, sculpted silhouette. Cynthia Erivo made an entrance in a custom black hooded gown by Zac Posen for Gap, exuding elegance with a modern twist. American supermodel Alex Consani embraced the avant-garde in a daring black lacquered dress, adorned with asymmetrical cutouts shaped like hands, adding an artful edge to her striking appearance.

CFDA Chairman Thom Browne was a central figure of the evening, setting the tone for the event in his signature Thom Browne uniform. Taking to the podium, the designer delivered an inspiring opening speech, celebrating the resilience and brilliance of American fashion:

“American fashion and creativity have never been stronger. I stand here recognizing that this room represents that excellence—excellence in creativity, in diversity, in the strength of the stories we have to tell.”

From the podium to the red carpet, Browne’s influence was undeniable, with notable figures wearing his creations in tribute to his vision. Fashion Icon award recipient Erykah Badu wore an hourglass-shaped, Chesterfield-inspired black cashmere ensemble, layered with mohair and silk, complete with a signature headpiece that exuded both elegance and eccentricity. Browne’s designs also adorned Kathryn Hahn, Addison Rae, and Sebastian Stan, each look highlighting his mastery of tailoring and dedication to archival details. Together, they embodied Browne’s commitment to pushing fashion forward, representing not only his distinctive aesthetic but also his philosophy of innovation and evolution in American design.

Another pivotal figure of the evening was Daniel Roseberry, the creative visionary redefining Schiaparelli for the modern era. Honored with the International Award, Roseberry delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected both his gratitude and his ambitions. As the first American-born designer appointed to a French couture maison, he acknowledged the significance of his role and expressed deep appreciation for Thom Browne, his mentor. Roseberry’s words conveyed a profound sense of purpose, positioning Schiaparelli as his medium to restore depth and meaning to luxury fashion.

“Recently, it feels like fashion is confused—desirability for popularity and it’s made the word luxury a mass concept. But Schiaparelli is the antidote to this idea.”

One of the night’s highlights was Willy Chavarria’s win as American Menswear Designer of the Year, honored for his culturally rich and bold designs. After receiving his award from Troye Sivan, Chavarria was celebrated by Byredo with an intimate party at Jean’s in NoHo. Three hundred esteemed guests gathered in the red-lit, flower-filled space scented with Byredo’s signature candles, creating an atmosphere that mirrored Chavarria’s emotional design style. The event reflected on resilience, creativity, and the powerful connection between memory and fashion.

As celebrations continued into the night, the festivities moved to the iconic Central Park Boathouse, where Coach and Amazon Fashion hosted the official CFDA Awards afterparty. Performances by rapper GloRilla, drag icon Violet Chachki, and DJ Kitty Ca$h brought a palpable energy to the evening’s celebrations. Notable guests included Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers, brand ambassador Charles Melton, and designers like Prabal Gurung and LaQuan Smith. Celebrating their Innovation Award for Coachtopia, Coach also launched an exclusive capsule collection on Amazon Fashion, merging high fashion with accessible retail.

The 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards showcased the depth and diversity of American fashion’s future. From Thom Browne’s visionary designs to Willy Chavarria’s cultural storytelling and Coach’s sustainable innovation, the event celebrated fashion as a force for change and expression. Honoring both icons and rising talents, the CFDA highlighted a forward-looking vision where American fashion shapes culture and drives social impact.