the american dream
An exclusive digital campaign served to reveal the nominees and honorees for the 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards in Partnership with Swarovski for the 17th year. The enlightening series captured interviews with prominent talents in the industry, garnering attention and excitement for those receiving accolades.
The campaign prompted noteworthy names including Candice Huffine, Martha Hunt, Young Paris, Todd Snyder, Irene Neuwirth, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia of Monse, and Brandon Maxwell to share their connection to American fashion and the role the CFDA plays in supporting both emerging and established designers. Memorable moments, style-savvy opinions and altruistic admiration were highlighted, nodding to the award categories and social impact of the big night.
The Brooklyn Museum, where the 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards will be held, offered a stunning backdrop to the interviews, enveloping each participant in waves of light, color and graphic elements. The locale’s aesthetic also inspired this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards mobile, presenting a new visual identity for the ceremony, now celebrating its 37th year.
Mirroring the modern feel of this new campaign, Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA commented, “The 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards continue to honor those who have led the American fashion industry, and this year, we welcome designers who approach fashion in new ways.”
Nominations for each award category were submitted by the CFDA Fashion Awards Guild, made up of the 500+ members of the CFDA, along with top fashion retailers, journalists, and stylists. The 2018 nominees and honorees are as follows:
The Womenswear Designer of the Year Award nominees are Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, Gabriela Hearst, Marc Jacobs, Virgil Abloh for Off-White, and Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
The Menswear Designer of the Year Award nominees are Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, Virgil Abloh for Off-White, James Jebbia for Supreme, Thom Browne, and Tom Ford.
The Accessory Designer of the Year Award nominees are Paul Andrew, Stuart Vevers for Coach, Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel for Mansur Gavriel, Irene Neuwirth, and Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row.
Mike Amiri for Amiri, Laura Vassar Brock and Kristopher Brock for Brock Collection, Aurora James for Brother Vellies, Kerby Jean-Raymond for Pyer Moss, and Sander Lak for Sies Marjan have been nominated for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent. The Swarovski Award recipient will receive generous financial support from Swarovski as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative Swarovski crystal resources.
Honoring her commitment to empowering women through fashion, philanthropy and mentorship, the Swarovski Award for Positive Change will be presented to Diane von Furstenberg.
For his immense impact on the industry, Narciso Rodriguez will receive The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the fiercely independent, four-time CFDA Fashion Award winner.
Legendary designer Carolina Herrera will be presented with The Founder’s Award, given in honor of CFDA founder Eleanor Lambert who is credited with exposing American fashion to the world.
The Media Award, presented in honor of Eugenia Sheppard, one of the most influential fashion writers of the 1950's and 60's, will go to Edward Enninful, the Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue.
The International Award, given for a designer’s creative contribution to the international fashion stage, will be presented to Donatella Versace.
The CFDA Fashion Awards are the highest honor in fashion and recognize the outstanding contributions made to American fashion in womenswear, menswear, and accessories as well as journalism, creative vision, personal style, and lifetime achievement.
Issa Rae will present the 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards at the Brooklyn Museum on June 4th. An appropriate host, Rae’s honest and inspiring work has garnered her two consecutive Best Actress Golden Globe nominations for HBO’s Insecure as well as red carpet wardrobes from American fashion’s most celebrated talents.
