Award shows are often directly associated with movie stars or musicians. As they walk down the iconic red carpet, each and every single one is asked the same question: “Who are you wearing?”
For the Council of Fashion Designers of America, that question warrants it’s own celebration. Last night the who’s who of the fashion world gathered for their own annual award ceremony at Lincoln Center in New York.
The fashion industry turned out it’s best, brightest and most influential for the event as the star power in the building was off-the charts. The former child model turned CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper acted as host, though only appearing twice on the stage.
However, from the moment she placed, what appeared to be, 10-inch platforms onto the CFDA’s purple carpet to the end of the ceremony all eyes were on Lady Gaga. Donning a faded-green, bobbed wig, a sheer bustier bodice and a dramatic black train the singer came well dressed to accept her Style Icon Award.
The singer graciously accepted her award and, according to the New York Times, thanked the members of the CFDA for “making me feel like a star before I was.” The superstar even shared a humorous detail that upon hearing the news of her award Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of American Vogue, sent her a congratulatory text to which Gaga, thinking it was her friend Anna, replied “Yes, bitch, we did it!” The stoic Wintour apparently responded saying, “How lovely.”
Other star-studded moments included Proenza Schouler’s win for Women’s Designer of the Year, Michael Bastian for Men’s Designer of the Year and best accessories went to Alexander Wang.
Rap artist Kanye West presenting Phoebe Philo of Celine with her award for International Award for best fashion designer. West has been known to be a huge supporter of Philo’s work having mentioned her in his song Dark Fantasy stating, “"I'm just a Chi- town n*** with a Nas flow and my chick in that new Phoebe Philo." West also recently performed at music festival, Coachella wearing a women’s shirt designed by Philo.
Marc Jacobs also accepted his “half lifetime” achievement award, taking home his ninth CFDA award. The designer of not only his own name brand label but also head designer of Louis Vuitton, Jacobs appeared teary eyed as he accepted his award stating: “I believe we all know and feel that the greatest reward is the process itself, the doing, the giving, the growing and the sharing it all with others.” Jacobs added that though the award was an honor “I look forward to where we have still to go and what we will get to achieve together."
