| EVENT REPORT 06.17.09 1:44 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Moving On Up |
| After nearly a decade at the New York Public Library, the Council of Fashion Designers of America hosted its annual award ceremony uptown at Alice Tully Hall, but kept the shorter, more efficient format it introduced last year. |
|
As an industry that perpetually rolls out new designs like clockwork twice a year (or more), the fashion business is all about constantly evolving and keeping things fresh. So the Council of Fashion Designers of America moved its annual awards ceremony on Monday night to the newly renovated Alice Tully Hall after a seven-year run at the New York Public Library. Made in part to accommodate more guests, the move echoes the migration of Fashion Week from Bryant Park, adjacent to the library, to Lincoln Center, the arts complex that houses Alice Tully Hall.
Approximately 700 guests attended the event, which was sponsored by Swarovski for the eighth straight year. One of the city's most important to-dos for those in fashion, the ceremony attracted C.F.D.A. president Diane von Furstenberg, model Agyness Deyn, and GQ creative director Jim Moore. Jimmy Fallon, Blake Lively, and Jack White served as presenters. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Guests encountered a phalanx of models—60 in total—upon arrival.
Photo: Billy Farrell/Patrickmcmullan.com |
|
|
 | The awards ceremony took place inside the Alice Tully Hall auditorium.
Photo: Billy Farrell/Patrickmcmullan.com |
|
|
 | Host Tracey Ullman poked fun at the current climate of luxury fatigue.
Photo: Billy Farrell/Patrickmcmullan.com |
|
|
|
|
Produced by KCD, the event retained a format change introduced last year: the presentation of awards followed by a light dinner. Without a specifically defined decor concept, KCD kept design additions to a minimum, utilizing elements and colors that would feel cohesive with the site's modern architecture. Underwriter Swarovski's crystal beaded curtain decked the stage and its crystal light towers decorated the lobby.
Perhaps the most striking visual component of the evening was encountered before guests even entered the venue: 60 models representing the three womenswear designer nominees—Marc Jacobs, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, and Narciso Rodriguez—posed on the steps leading down to the entrance.
Hosted by comedian Tracey Ullman—who wasn't afraid to acknowledge the less-than-robust appetite for luxury goods these days—the award ceremony was brief compared to previous years, and recognized both up-and-comers and established names, including Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Anna Sui, and Vera Wang. The "popular vote" honor—a prize introduced this year and determined by online voters—went to Ralph Lauren. First Lady Michelle Obama received the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award, and although she couldn't attend, a taped message was played at the presentation.
Following the ceremony, guests ate a meal from Restaurant Associates, which included lobster bouchée with Champagne sauce, sugar spice-crusted filet of beef with horseradish cream on crostini, and mini Ring Ding-like desserts, before heading downtown to the after-party at the Jane Hotel and Calvin Klein-sponsored after-party for the High Line benefit.
—Mimi O'Connor
RELATED TOPICS
Council of Fashion Designers of America, C.F.D.A. Awards, Swarovski
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Gap, Banana Republic, American Eagle Open Stores With Musical Performances
Chicago Chefs Prepare Apple-Cider Bubbles, Whipped Salt Cod for Food & Wine Entertaining Showcase
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
Nintendo Launches New Mario Game With Look Back at Franchise History
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
MORE STORIES ABOUT COUNCIL OF FASHION DESIGNERS OF AMERICA
Lincoln Center Taps Former Vogue Planner Wolkoff to Run Fashion Week
Fashion's Night Out to Return in 2010
More Photos From Fashion's Night Out: A Dunk Tank in Williamsburg, Kenneth Cole's Concert
MORE STORIES ABOUT C.F.D.A. AWARDS
Calvin Klein Plans Second High Line Party
CFDA Awards Heading to New Venue
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Cipriani Wall Street
Cipriani Wall Street stands as a triumph of Greek Revival architecture, as well as a grand and luxurious venue for corporate and social events. This New York landmark served as the home of the New York Merchants' Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the United States Customs House, and the headquarters of the National City Bank. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Barkley Kalpak Associates Inc.
Barkley Kalpak Associates (BKA), an award-winning event design and production company, provides a full suite of services for business meetings, trade shows, product launches, media events, teambuilding exercises, employee recognition, awards shows, and entertainment.
From creative inception and development to dramatically different multimedia events, BKA offers production and technical design, graphic and video production, audiovisual services, and speaker support for companies throughout the world. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
CBS Scenery Fabrication
CBS Scenery Fabrication is a state-of-the-art, full-service scenic shop in Midtown Manhattan. They do scenery, props, and printing for fashion, television, theater, events, and film. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
