The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards brought together leading designers, celebrities, and influential figures from the fashion industry at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Celebrating American design excellence, the ceremony recognized established fashion houses alongside emerging creative talent.
Among the evening’s biggest winners were Rachel Scott, who received the American Womenswear Designer of the Year award, and Ralph Lauren, who was honored for his contribution to American menswear. Colleen Allen also earned recognition as the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year.
The red carpet featured a mix of contemporary designs and updated American classics, with appearances from Demi Moore, Lupita Nyong’o, Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, Rosé, and Mona Tougaard.
2026 CFDA Fashion Awards Red Carpet Highlights
This year’s dress code, “American Design Excellence,” encouraged guests to celebrate the creativity and influence of American fashion. Several celebrities and designers interpreted the theme through custom looks, statement pieces, and recognizable fashion-house designs.
Mona Tougaard Wears LII by Zane Li
Mona Tougaard arrived in a bold, colorful outfit designed by Zane Li of LII. The look brought attention to the emerging designer, who was also nominated for the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year award.
Her appearance highlighted the event’s focus on giving rising creative talent a place alongside established names in the fashion industry.
Demi Moore and Lupita Nyong’o Choose GapStudio
Demi Moore and Lupita Nyong’o wore custom GapStudio designs, bringing a fresh perspective to familiar American wardrobe influences.
Their appearances reflected the evening’s theme through modern interpretations of classic fashion elements.
Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz and Rosé Wear Saint Laurent
Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, Rosé, and Anja Rubik were among the guests wearing gilded Saint Laurent designs from Anthony Vaccarello’s final collection for the fashion house.
Vaccarello was also recognized with the International Designer of the Year Award, making the collection particularly relevant to the evening’s celebrations.
Keke Palmer Brings Vintage Bob Mackie to the Ceremony
Host Keke Palmer made a statement in a 1970s Bob Mackie design previously worn by Raquel Welch.
Her vintage appearance added a touch of fashion history to the ceremony as the awards moved into the presentation of the night’s major honors.
Thom Browne, chairman of the CFDA’s board of directors, opened the event with remarks about the importance of American fashion and its influence on contemporary culture.
Rachel Scott Wins American Womenswear Designer of the Year
Rachel Scott received the American Womenswear Designer of the Year award for her work at Diotima. It marked her second time receiving the honor, further recognizing her contribution to contemporary American womenswear.
During her acceptance speech, Scott spoke about the responsibility that comes with representing independent and marginalized voices in the fashion industry.
Her recognition was one of the evening’s major moments, highlighting the continued influence of designers building distinctive creative identities.
Ralph Lauren Takes Home American Menswear Designer of the Year
Ralph Lauren won the American Menswear Designer of the Year award, recognizing his longstanding influence on American style.
The designer’s recognition comes as his fashion company approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027. Across decades of collections, Ralph Lauren has developed a recognizable design identity that connects classic American fashion with luxury and lifestyle.
Colleen Allen Wins Emerging Designer Award
Colleen Allen received the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year Award.
Known for designs that combine feminine details with a strong, distinctive aesthetic, Allen was recognized as one of the emerging talents attracting attention within the New York fashion scene.
Her win placed a rising designer among the evening’s most celebrated names and reinforced the CFDA’s recognition of the next generation of American fashion.
2026 CFDA Fashion Awards: Complete Winners List
The ceremony recognized designers, industry figures, and organizations across multiple categories. Here is the complete list of winners:
| Award Category | 2026 Winner |
|---|---|
| American Womenswear Designer of the Year | Rachel Scott for Diotima |
| American Menswear Designer of the Year | Ralph Lauren |
| American Accessory Designer of the Year | Ana Khouri |
| Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year | Colleen Allen |
| International Designer of the Year | Anthony Vaccarello |
| Fashion Icon Award | Peter Marino |
| Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard | Eva Chen |
| Positive Change Award | Tory Burch |
| Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert | Linda Fargo |
| Innovation Award Presented by Amazon Fashion | Gap Inc. |
| Isabel Toledo Board of Directors’ Tribute | Susan Cianciolo |
| Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award | Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin |
Special Honors Recognize Fashion’s Lasting Influence
Beyond the competitive categories, the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards also presented special honors to individuals and organizations whose work has influenced the wider fashion industry.
Tory Burch received the Positive Change Award, while Peter Marino was recognized with the Fashion Icon Award. Photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other special recognitions included Eva Chen’s Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard, Linda Fargo’s Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert, and Gap Inc.’s Innovation Award presented by Amazon Fashion.
The ceremony brought together different generations of fashion talent, from established designers with decades of influence to emerging names shaping the industry’s next chapter.