convey-aura

The CFDA Fashion Awards, a highlight on the industry calendar, celebrated design excellence and innovation at the Museum of Natural History. Ralph Lauren, a perennial figure in American fashion, was once again recognized for his enduring impact, receiving the prestigious Womenswear Designer of the Year award. The evening was a dynamic showcase of talent, honoring both seasoned veterans and groundbreaking new voices, setting the stage for future trends in style and design.

CFDA Fashion Awards 2025: A Night of Triumphs and Tributes in New York City

On November 3, 2025, the fashion world converged at the venerable Museum of Natural History in New York City for the annual CFDA Fashion Awards. The dynamic Teyana Taylor expertly hosted the grand affair, guiding attendees through an evening filled with recognition and celebration beneath the iconic blue whale exhibit. The ceremony kicked off with CFDA chairman Thom Browne's welcoming address, immediately followed by a profound moment as Ralph Rucci was presented with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his remarkable contributions to design.

Following a sophisticated dinner featuring classic chicken pot pie, the spotlight shifted to the announcement of the American Womenswear Designer of the Year. Esteemed actress Naomi Watts had the honor of presenting this accolade, which was enthusiastically awarded to Ralph Lauren. This marked a significant return for Lauren, who had previously won this category in 1995. His extensive history with the CFDA includes his inaugural award in 1981, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992, and numerous other honors spanning menswear design, humanitarian leadership for breast cancer advocacy, and special tributes for his half-century in the industry.

The evening continued with a cascade of distinguished awards. Ariana DeBose and Amber Valletta presented Donatella Versace with the Positive Change Award, acknowledging her impactful contributions. Julianne Moore bestowed the Founder's Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert upon Cynthia Rowley. Notably, Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, presented the highly coveted Fashion Icon Award to A$AP Rocky, recognizing his profound influence on contemporary style.

Benito Skinner, the comedian, and designer Jennifer Fisher together presented the American Accessory Designer of the Year award to Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, the creative forces behind The Row. This marked their third triumph in this category, following wins in 2015, 2018, and 2019, underscoring their consistent excellence.

Later in the program, director Ava DuVernay introduced Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God, who received the Innovation Award Presented by Amazon Fashion, highlighting his visionary approach to design. After a captivating musical interlude by Olivia Dean, singer and fashion favorite Addison Rae, alongside designer Christopher John Rogers, announced Ashlyn Park of Ashlynn as the recipient of the Google American Emerging Designer of the Year Award. Park is also a finalist in the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, signaling a bright future for her brand.

The legendary Naomi Campbell then took the stage to honor Pieter Mulier with the International Designer of the Year award for his remarkable work at Alaïa, a house with which Campbell herself shares a deeply personal connection. Following this, Vogue's Nicole Phelps introduced Andre Walker, who was celebrated with the Isabel Toledo Board of Directors's Tribute. Actress Jennifer Lawrence presented the Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard to Sara Moonves of W magazine. The evening culminated with Mark Ronson, Dao-Yi Chow, and Maxwell Osborne presenting the American Menswear Designer of the Year award to Thom Browne, who secured this prestigious honor for the fourth time in his distinguished career.

The CFDA Fashion Awards serve as a crucial platform for acknowledging and propelling the global fashion dialogue. The enduring legacy of designers like Ralph Lauren, coupled with the fresh perspectives of emerging talents, ensures the industry remains vibrant and forward-looking. This annual celebration not only recognizes past achievements but also ignites inspiration for future creative endeavors, reinforcing the profound cultural impact of fashion.