industry champions
At an exclusive event hosted by CFDA Chairwoman Diane von Furstenberg and Swarovski, the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced the 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards nominees and honorees.
In addition to the recurring awards bestowed upon fashion’s elite each year, 2017 will feature a new Swarovski category, the Swarovski Award for Positive Change. The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent will now encompass womenswear, menswear, and accessory design.
The recipient of the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent will receive access to Swarovski’s archives and innovative crystal resources, as well as ample financial support. Nominees include Laura Vassar Brock and Kristopher Brock for Brock Collection, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia for Monse, Virgil Abloh for Off-White, Sander Lak for Sies Marjan, and Gabriela Hearst.
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, notes that the Swarovski Award for Positive Change was created with intentions of “honoring individuals within the US fashion industry for their efforts in philanthropy.” This inaugural honor will be presented to Kenneth Cole.
The industry’s finest will receive accolades for prestigious awards across a number of divisions while a collection of fashion VIPs will be recognized with individual honors.
Womenswear Designer of the Year Award nominees are Joseph Altuzarra for Altuzarra, Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, and Marc Jacobs.
Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, Robert Geller, Thom Browne, Tim Coppens, and Todd Snyder are up for the Menswear Designer of the Year Award.
The Accessory Designer of the Year Award nominees are Stuart Vevers for Coach, Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel for Mansur Gavriel, Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, Paul Andrew, and Irene Neuwirth.
With four CFDA Fashion Awards wins under his belt, Rick Owens will be presented with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pat McGrath will receive the Founder’s Award, given in honor of CFDA founder Eleanor Lambert who is credited with exposing American fashion to the world.
For contributing to the global fashion conversation, the International Award will be bestowed upon Demna Gvasalia for both Vetements and Balenciaga.
Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem, and Janelle Monae will be acknowledged for their steadfast efforts and achievements on behalf of women with the Board of Directors’ Tribute.
The late legend and fashion luminary Franca Sozzani will be awarded the Fashion Icon Award for her contributions to the industry.
“This year’s nominees and honorees represent the best of American Fashion,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. Set to occur on June 5th at Hammerstein Ballroom, the 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards will celebrate its 16th year in partnership with Swarovski.
