Rachel Scott, Ralph Lauren Win 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards
The 45th annual CFDA Fashion Awards took place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, presented in partnership with Amazon Fashion. Rachel Scott, Ralph Lauren and Ana Khouri were among the winners announced by the CFDA.
Actress Keke Palmer hosted the ceremony, presided over by Council of Fashion Designers of America Chairman Thom Browne. The event recognized achievement in American womenswear, menswear, accessories and emerging design, alongside special honors celebrating contributions to the fashion industry.
Four Designers Win Major Awards
Rachel Scott won American Womenswear Designer of the Year for Diotima, receiving the award from Lupita Nyong’o and Francisco Costa. It was Scott’s second victory in the category following her 2024 win.
Her work incorporates Jamaican craft traditions and contemporary tailoring, while her influence has expanded through her creative leadership at Proenza Schouler.
During her acceptance speech, Scott thanked Thom Browne, the CFDA and the women who had supported her. As documented in the CFDA’s coverage, Scott said, “I feel extremely lucky and extremely responsible.” She added, “We have a lot of work to do starting tomorrow morning.”
Ralph Lauren received American Menswear Designer of the Year, presented by Matt Damon and Tremaine Emory. The recognition followed Lauren’s 2025 American Womenswear Designer of the Year award, adding another distinction to a career spanning more than five decades.
Jewelry designer Ana Khouri earned her first American Accessory Designer of the Year award, presented by Naomi Osaka and Joseph Altuzarra. Her work combines sculptural forms with fine jewelry craftsmanship.
Colleen Allen secured the Google American Emerging Designer of the Year award, presented by Cole Escola and Gabriela Hearst. The Brooklyn-based designer was recognized for her historically influenced designs and distinctive approach to contemporary fashion.
Special Honors Recognize Industry Contributions
The official awards program also recognized established figures whose contributions extend beyond the competitive designer categories.
Tory Burch received the Positive Change Award, while photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin earned the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.
Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello received International Designer of the Year. Eva Chen was named the Media Award recipient, Linda Fargo received the Founder’s Award, and Susan Cianciolo earned the Isabel Toledo Board of Directors’ Tribute.
Celebrity Appearances Highlight Red Carpet
The CFDA red carpet brought together actors, musicians, designers and fashion personalities.
Demi Moore and Lupita Nyong’o wore GapStudio by Zac Posen, while Pamela Anderson appeared in Carolina Herrera. Hailey Bieber, RosΓ© and ZoΓ« Kravitz chose Saint Laurent, connecting their appearances with Vaccarello’s international recognition.
Gracie Abrams wore a design by emerging designer winner Colleen Allen. Megan Thee Stallion appeared in Kim Shui, while Tinashe wore Christopher John Rogers.
Matt Damon attended in Ralph Lauren Purple Label, connecting his red-carpet appearance with his role presenting the menswear award.
Fashion Students Join Industry Leaders
Fashion students also attended the ceremony, sharing the room with established designers and industry figures. The CFDA’s official event program listed Nuuly and W Youth among its supporters.
