The 2018 CFDA Awards Honored New Names and Legendary Icons of Fashion
By Kaylin YoungJune 5 2018, Updated 9:11 p.m. ET
Last night was the 2018 CFDA Awards and red-carpet looks are just one reason the night was a must-see. From Issa Rae’s hosting skills and graphic wardrobe choices to Kim Kardashian’s comments on nudity – again, there was a lot going down inside the Brooklyn Museum.
Issa Rae kicked off the night as the first black host of the annual award show in a green Sergio Hudson pantsuit – wait, did you peep her red-carpet dress? Rae wore a custom blue Pyer Moss gown that featured over 180,000 Swarovski crystals and an embroidered black belt that read “Every N**** is a Star.”
Rae later poked fun at her personal style and at a famous face who wasn’t in attendance last night, Kanye West.
-“I’m about as fashionable as Kanye is black. Only when it’s convenient,” she said in her opening monologue. “That joke was my choice, just like slavery.”
“I’m about as fashionable as Kanye is black. Only when it’s convenient,” she said in her opening monologue. “That joke was my choice, just like slavery.”
I’m gonna need a gif of Kim’s reaction ASAP! Regardless of the comments, Kardashian did not let that deter her from the reason she was at the show. Kardashian was the inaugural recipient of CFDA’s “Influencer of the Year” award. While she accepted the honor in a Rick Owens two-piece, she acknowledged the trend she is most famous for: nudity.
-“I am surprised that I am winning a fashion award when I am naked most of the time.”
“I am surprised that I am winning a fashion award when I am naked most of the time.”
Kardashian went on to express her appreciation for the honor after years of being underestimated and overlooked by industry execs and former publicists.
Another historic moment was when Oprah presented Edward Enniful, the first black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, with the “Media Award.” Enniful spoke about growing up in West London and never imagined he would have such a historic role in the fashion world and how he’s committed to changing the industry for the better.
The night was full of moving moments and Naomi Campbell nearly brought the room to tears as she wiped her own away. Campbell was honored with the “Fashion Icon Award” after over 3 decades as a model, actress, and philanthropist. With museum-wide applause, Campbell tearfully accepted the award and remarked on the best and worst times of her career.
-“I stand here today as a proud woman of color and will continue to push for diversity and equality,” she said. “They told me I’d only last 11 years. But I’ve been here for 32 years.”
“I stand here today as a proud woman of color and will continue to push for diversity and equality,” she said. “They told me I’d only last 11 years. But I’ve been here for 32 years.”
Other winners and honorees included Raf Simmons (of Calvin Klein), Diane Von Furstenberg, Donatella Versace, Carolina Herrera, The Olsen Twins (of The Row), James Jebia (of Supreme), Sander Lak (of Sies Lak), Ralph Lauren, and Narcisco Rodriguez.
The CFDA Fashion Awards – which has been lovingly named “the Oscars of Fashion” – honors excellence in fashion design, with nominations from the Fashion Guild (1,500 CFDA members, fashion editors, retailers, and stylists).
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is a non-profit association of over 450 American fashion and accessory designers.
