CFDA Fashion Awards presented in NY Public Library

04 Jun '08

5 min read

Of the ceremony, CFDA Executive Director Steven Kolb said, "This night is special not only because we celebrate the best of American fashion, but because we come together as an industry and a community to do so.

We are thrilled that this year's format enabled us to accommodate a greater number of guests in the celebration. I can think of no better spotlight for American fashion as a dynamic, growing institution with a rich history than the CFDA Fashion Awards."

"This evening has become such a treasured occasion for Swarovski. We couldn't be more thrilled for all the tremendously talented honorees and winners," said Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications.

"There is certainly a continued bright future for American fashion design with this year's awards being any indication. We are delighted to have the opportunity to be such an influence in the landscape of these talented, young stars who have captured the honor of the Swarovski Awards."

For the third year in a row, the celebration incorporated a Viewing Party. "Upstairs at the Library Hosted T-Mobile Sidekick" was a lounge-like space from which a larger group of fashion designers, editors and other industry supporters watched a live simulcast of the awards. Notable guests included Lauren Santo Domingo, Jeff Halmos, Sam Shipley, David Neville, Marcus Wainright, and Gucci Westman.

For the first time ever, the CFDA Fashion Awards included a live simulcast especially for design students. Thanks to the generous support of Target and in cooperation with the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T), 700 college students watched the show live from F.I.T.'s Haft Auditorium.

The decor of the dinner and awards was inspired by the garden and the beauty of spring that designer Raul Avila brought to life for the Awards. Bryant Park served as the perfect springtime backdrop for two pieces from the Swarovski Crystal Palace Collection: "Cascade," a well-known piece by artist Vincent Van Duysen, and ten "Blossom" chandeliers by designer Tord Boontje.

KCD produced the event, and the journal and graphics were designed by Trey Laird of Laird + Partners. Nominees, honorees, and winners were determined by a Selection Committee comprised of CFDA members, leading fashion journalists, stylist and top retail executives. Ernst & Young LLP was the official accounting firm of the Awards.

Additionally, the CFDA would like to acknowledge the companies that added to the success of this year's event: Continental Airlines official airline; Champagne Taittinger; FIJI; website designer: Hudson Union; Bernard's Salon and Spa, L'Oreal Professionnel, and MAC Pro Team and MAC Cosmetics, W Hotels Worldwide, Mandarin Oriental, New York.

The winners and honorees of the 2008 CFDA Fashion Awards:
- Womenswear Designer of the Year Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection
- Menswear Designer of the Year Tom Ford
- Accessory Designer of the Year Tory Burch
- Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent Womenswear Kate & Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte
- Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent Menswear Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders
- Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent Accessory Design Phillip Crangi
- Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award Carolina Herrera
- International Award Dries Van Noten
- Eugenia Sheppard Award for Fashion Journalism Candy Pratts Price
- Board of Directors' Special Tribute Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

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