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.
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.
