The 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards were nothing short of spectacular, capturing the spirit of American fashion in a night filled with glitz, emotion, and unexpected appearances. Held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the event transformed the first Monday in November into a night of fashion as grand as the Met Gala. Beneath the museum’s iconic life-sized blue whale, designers, celebrities, and cultural icons gathered to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at what has come to be known as the “Oscars of fashion.”
This year’s ceremony, presented by Amazon, was brimming with surprises. None was greater than the arrival of Rihanna, who made her first public appearance since giving birth to her third child. The 37-year-old singer, fashion mogul, and entrepreneur came to support her partner, A$AP Rocky, who was being honored as the night’s fashion icon. The moment Rihanna stepped onto the white carpet, the room shifted. Her appearance reminded everyone of her effortless magnetism—a mix of power, mystery, and cool that only she seems to master.
Rihanna’s look for the evening was a study in modern sophistication. She wore an Alaïa ensemble that combined a black trench coat with flowing white pleated slacks, creating a look that felt equal parts business and rebellion. A$AP Rocky complemented her with his own twist on classic luxury—a Chanel suit paired with a yellow sweater and polished cap-toe shoes. The two moved as a pair that defines what contemporary fashion love looks like: mutual admiration, boldness, and self-expression.
When Anna Wintour took the stage to introduce A$AP Rocky, her remarks struck a playful tone that filled the room with laughter. “Telling Rocky that he’s a fashion icon,” she said, “is a bit like telling Carlos Alcaraz that he has a good backhand—there is no indication that he’s a man who needs to be told.” Her humor was followed by genuine admiration as she acknowledged the rapper’s fearless approach to personal style. She noted that when a Vogue staffer once asked Rocky who his biggest beauty influence was, his response was simply, “Myself.” Wintour’s wit only underscored what everyone in the room already knew—A$AP Rocky’s influence on men’s fashion over the past decade is undeniable.
Accepting his award, Rocky stood at the podium with his trademark mix of charm and confidence. “Yes, I agree—I am an icon,” he said with a grin, drawing applause from the audience. “But I’m nothing without my peers and a lot of y’all in the room.” His humility, mixed with his self-assured humor, reflected exactly why the CFDA chose him for the honor. Turning his attention to Rihanna, his tone softened. “Baby girl, I love you. You won this so long ago,” he said, referring to her own CFDA Fashion Icon award in 2014. “Remember I told you, ‘You inspired me. I’m gonna win that one day.’ We did it, baby.” It was one of those unscripted, real moments that drew warmth from the crowd—a tender glimpse into the couple’s shared journey as partners in love and style.
The evening’s guest list sparkled with star power. The red carpet welcomed fashion icons and entertainers from every corner of the industry. Kimora Lee Simmons, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, Ciara, Addison Rae, Saweetie, Mandy Moore, Stefon Diggs, Britt Lower, and Angel Reese were just a few of the names that lit up the event. There were glamorous gowns, tailored suits, and statement looks that proved the CFDA remains a space where fashion’s boundaries are not just respected but celebrated. Lily Allen made headlines with her daring “revenge dress,” a look that came shortly after her split from actor David Harbour. Olandria Carthen of “Love Island USA” turned heads in a sculpted brown strapless gown, while Amber Valletta resurrected fashion history by wearing the same tropical Versace dress Jennifer Lopez wore to the 2000 Grammys—the dress that famously inspired the creation of Google Images.
As celebrities mingled, waiters moved through the crowd balancing trays of pot pies, a charmingly unpretentious detail that seemed to symbolize the mix of high fashion and homegrown spirit the CFDA has always represented. Musicians, athletes, designers, and influencers shared tables, their laughter echoing beneath the museum’s vaulted ceiling. In one corner, Olivia Dean delivered a soulful performance of her song “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” her smooth voice filling the room and giving the audience a brief moment of calm amidst the excitement.
The show’s host, Teyana Taylor, brought her trademark wit and energy to the stage. Wearing a series of impeccably tailored Thom Browne outfits, she turned each costume change into a statement of her own creative range. Between jokes and heartfelt remarks, Taylor revealed that she’s currently enrolled in culinary school—all while raising two children, starring in new television and film projects, and preparing to release more music. The revelation drew cheers from the audience, who have long admired her ability to do it all. She even joked about one of her more down-to-earth responsibilities, saying, “I might need to make a call to my Harlem brother A$AP Rocky because I know he knows a thing or two about a nasty suit in the courtroom. I need something for jury duty.” Her humor kept the night light and authentic, balancing the ceremony’s high glamour with real-world charm.
Another unforgettable moment came when Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the famously private twins behind the luxury brand The Row, stepped on stage to accept the Accessory Designer of the Year Award. Now 39, the sisters have become known for their minimalist approach and commitment to craftsmanship—qualities that stand in stark contrast to the noise of fast fashion. Their brief but heartfelt speech was delivered by Ashley, who thanked their customers “from the bottom of our hearts.” Mary-Kate stood quietly by her side, the two presenting a united front that spoke volumes about their creative partnership.
Their name resurfaced later in the night when W Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Sara Moonves, accepted the Media Award from her friend Jennifer Lawrence. In her speech, Moonves revealed a charming connection to the Olsen twins, calling them her lifelong best friends. “Little known fact,” she said with a smile, “I was on four episodes of Full House, so my career could have gone in a really different direction. It’s so rare to be able to say this about anyone, but the three of us have been friends for our entire lives.” The moment bridged past and present—childhood nostalgia meeting adult success, all wrapped in the thread of enduring friendship.
Donatella Versace was another star of the night, honored with the Positive Change Award. The designer’s legacy stretches far beyond the runway, and her influence continues to ripple through generations of artists and innovators. She was introduced by actress Ariana DeBose and model Amber Valletta, who took the stage wearing the same bold tropical-print dress that made Jennifer Lopez a fashion legend two decades ago. Valletta first modeled the gown in Versace’s 1999 runway show, making the moment a symbolic full circle. “She creates moments,” DeBose said, “the kind of showstopper women that live forever on red carpets, magazine covers, and in pop culture history.”
Versace’s acceptance speech was one of the most powerful of the evening. “Great creativity is born from diversity,” she said. “It has no color, no gender, no sexual orientation. Business must never kill creativity.” Her words drew a standing ovation, a rare instance where an entire room of designers, editors, and celebrities seemed united in agreement. It was a reminder that fashion is more than just fabric and fame—it’s a living, breathing expression of humanity’s endless imagination.
The night also belonged to several industry legends who have shaped fashion for decades. CFDA chairman Thom Browne opened the ceremony with a tribute to actress Diane Keaton, whose signature style—oversized suits, bowler hats, and quirky elegance—has long influenced both menswear and womenswear. Browne also tied the event to the real world, briefly mentioning the upcoming New York City mayoral election and emphasizing the importance of creative voices in civic life.
The first major award of the night went to designer Ralph Rucci, who received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. His influence on American couture has been profound, and his name commands deep respect within the fashion world. When Browne announced him as the winner, Michael Kors immediately stood, leading the room in a heartfelt standing ovation. It was one of those moments where competition melted away and reverence took its place.
Ralph Lauren, at 86 years old, once again proved why he is the cornerstone of American fashion. He took home the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award, nearly three decades after first winning the same honor in 1995. His consistency, elegance, and devotion to timeless style have made his name synonymous with American luxury, and the award served as recognition not only of his past but also his continued influence on generations of designers.
Another standout recognition went to Pieter Mulier of Alaïa, who received the International Designer of the Year Award. Supermodel Naomi Campbell, a longtime muse of the late Azzedine Alaïa, presented the honor. Her voice carried both pride and emotion as she said, “Could anyone truly honor Azzedine’s exceptional legacy? Fortunately, Pieter answered the call, not with words, but with work and respect.” The crowd listened in reverent silence, understanding the depth of her sentiment.
Jerry Lorenzo, the visionary behind Fear of God, earned the Innovation Award, presented by Amazon Fashion. Director Ava DuVernay introduced him with admiration for his ability to blend spirituality and streetwear—a combination that has redefined men’s fashion. Lorenzo’s influence extends beyond clothing; he represents a movement toward authenticity and introspection in an industry often focused on surface-level glamour.
The Founder’s Award went to Cynthia Rowley, a designer celebrated for her playful, imaginative spirit. Presented by Julianne Moore, the honor recognized Rowley’s ability to blend creativity with joy. In her speech, Rowley reflected on the privilege of creating for a living. “Every day I feel so lucky that my job is to have an idea and make it a reality,” she said. It was a simple but profound acknowledgment of the designer’s journey, one shared by everyone in the room who has ever dared to turn a dream into something tangible.
The final tribute of the night was presented to designer Andre Walker, who received the Board of Directors’ Tribute named after Isabel Toledo, the late Cuban-American designer known for her artistry and integrity. Walker’s influence as a boundary-pushing creative mind made the honor particularly meaningful. His work, often ahead of its time, continues to inspire new generations to think beyond the ordinary.
By the time the lights dimmed and the final applause echoed under the museum’s massive whale, the evening had transcended mere celebration. The CFDA Fashion Awards had once again proven that fashion is not only about beauty—it’s about identity, courage, and evolution. From Rihanna’s quiet grace to A$AP Rocky’s confident charm, from Versace’s fierce advocacy to the Olsen twins’ quiet genius, the night captured every facet of what makes fashion an art form that never stands still.
Guests lingered over dessert, still buzzing from the night’s energy, their conversations blending talk of style with laughter and admiration. The air was alive with the understanding that fashion, at its best, unites people through imagination. It was more than an award show—it was a portrait of creativity in motion, painted by the people who live and breathe it every day.
As the city lights glittered outside, New York reminded the world once again why it remains the beating heart of American fashion. The 2025 CFDA Awards didn’t just honor the designers and icons who define the industry—they celebrated the very idea that fashion, in all its forms, is a story we tell about ourselves. And on that November night, beneath the gentle shadow of the museum’s blue whale, that story shimmered brighter than ever.
