On November 3, the 2025 CFDA Awards were held at the American Museum of Natural History, celebrating the talent and diversity that define the American fashion industry.
Recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in U.S. fashion, the CFDA Awards have been presented annually by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) since 1981. Each year, the organization celebrates excellence across multiple categories, including womenswear, menswear, accessories, innovation, journalism, and lifetime achievement.
This year, Amazon Fashion once again served as the presenting partner, while Google Shopping supported the American Emerging Designer of the Year award. Additional partners included M·A·C Cosmetics as the official beauty partner, Krug as the official champagne partner, and Lincoln, which provided transportation for the event.
Inside the museum’s grand hall, guests dressed in dazzling gowns and sharply tailored suits gathered for a night that celebrated creativity and craftsmanship. Artist and creator Teyana Taylor hosted the ceremony, setting an energetic and glamorous tone for the evening.
Honoring the Visionaries of 2025
The highlight of the night, American Womenswear Designer of the Year, went to Ralph Lauren. When Naomi Watts took the stage to present the award, the audience erupted in warm applause and admiration. Carrying forward the legacy of American classicism, Lauren has spent decades redefining “American style” through elegance, refinement, and timeless vision.
Meanwhile, the honor of American Menswear Designer of the Year was awarded to Thom Browne. Mark Ronson, along with Public School designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, presented the award, paying tribute to Browne’s architectural tailoring and conceptual approach that continues to shape the narrative of modern menswear.
In the American Accessory Designer of the Year category, Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen of The Row were recognized for their minimalist aesthetic and mastery of balance, an understated elegance that has once again captivated the fashion world. Benito Skinner and jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher presented the award.
Additionally, the American Emerging Designer of the Year, supported by Google Shopping, was awarded to Ashlyn Park, whose eponymous label Ashlyn has drawn acclaim at New York Fashion Week. Known for her poetic sensibility and sculptural silhouettes, Park represents a new wave of modern refinement. The award was presented by Addison Rae and Christopher John Rogers.
Celebrating Creative Vision
Anna Wintour presented the Fashion Icon Award to A$AP Rocky, whose fearless fusion of music, fashion, and culture continues to define a generation.
Sara Moonves, editor-in-chief of W Magazine, received the Media Award in honor of Eugenia Sheppard, presented by Jennifer Lawrence. Donatella Versace was honored with the Positive Change Award by Amber Valletta and Ariana DeBose, recognizing her ongoing commitment to social impact and inclusion within the fashion industry.
Julianne Moore presented the Founder’s Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert to Cynthia Rowley, while Ava DuVernay presented the Innovation Award, sponsored by Amazon Fashion, to Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God.
Nicole Phelps presented the Isabel Toledo Board of Directors’ Tribute to Andre Walker, and Naomi Campbell awarded the International Award to Pieter Mulier of Alaïa.
Finally, Thom Browne presented the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award to Ralph Rucci, honoring his decades-long contribution to American craftsmanship.
Music, Film, and a Lingering Elegance
After the ceremony, host Teyana Taylor captivated the audience once again with her dynamic performance, blending movement and emotion in a way only she can.
Leslie Bibb introduced a short film by Nian Fish, reflecting on a year of American fashion and the creativity that defined it.
British singer Olivia Dean then took the stage, performing “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” from her new album The Art of Loving. Her clear, soulful voice filled the hall, leaving the audience in a moment of serene beauty.
On the red carpet, creative entrepreneur and media personality Jenna Lyons returned as the official red carpet host, engaging guests with wit, warmth, and insight, embodying the intersection of intellect and style.
Fashion, technology, and culture converged on this unforgettable night, a celebration that once again affirmed the enduring vitality and evolution of American fashion.
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