BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

How a Film Inspired the Look of This Year's C.F.D.A. Awards

The 2013 Council of Fashion Designers of America's annual award show was inspired by a film of a country estate in Yonkers—architectural visuals that unified the look and feel of the event.

Jim Shi
June 6, 2013

Billed as the organization's most cohesive award show to date—at least from a production standpoint—the 2013 Council of Fashion Designers of America's black-tie industry celebration realized the vision of the council's president, Diane von Furstenberg. The idea was to bring to fruition creative content that eschewed the individual approach of past award shows in favor of a collective point of view.

For the event at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall on June 3, KCD's team—led by president and partner Julie Mannion and creative director Nian Fish—worked alongside C.F.D.A. C.E.O. Steven Kolb to coordinate the efforts of 12-year sponsor and decor partner Swarovski, award show component graphic designer Keira Alexandra of Employee Number1, and Tony-nominated scenic designer Scott Pask. Pask, who oversaw the set design for the fifth consecutive year, devised the interior framework to enhance the show's screen setting.

Hosted by Bravo reality kingpin Andy Cohen, the night saw guests—including honorees Oscar de la Renta and Colleen Atwood, winners Phillip Lim, Thom Browne, and the Proenza Schouler duo, and presenters Jessica Chastain, Linda Evangelista, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Kerry Washington—swept into the night’s narrative mood from the moment they stepped onto the graphic black-and-white arrivals carpet. Set against a signature C.F.D.A. red backdrop, which was in keeping with the spring season's runway color themes, the schematic effect was evident in everything from the entrance to the black-and-white cocktail party and even down to the catering—providing "a very elegant and unified point of view," said Mannion.

Whereas in past years, each honoree and category of nominees was introduced via its own unique—and, often, unrelated—visual cue, the award program this year grew from a film by Jun Diaz that was shot on location at the historic Alder Manor in Yonkers, the Highline Hotel, and the McKittrick Hotel over the course of one week. The film provided a thematic foundation through which all individual honoree and nominee tributes were connected. "Alder Manor allowed us to tell an interesting narrative that offered variety and mood," Mannion said. "The storytelling idea was the central focus point of view and we drew from that one place this year."

What the film achieved, beyond tying together all the various award components like never before, was the ability to take guests on a journey by using the Renaissance Revival mansion's doors and windows as portals—via well-thought-out black-and-white plates taken from the individual films, no less—into the different worlds to represent each honoree and category of nominees. "The ideas of the rooms in the mansion inspired set design and various decor elements throughout the event," Mannion said.

The build out started the Friday before the Monday awards, and tear down was completed by 5 a.m. the following Tuesday.

Following the awards, guests headed to a trio of after parties: a C.F.D.A. and Swarovski bash at Top of the Standard, Riccardo Tisci's celebration of his International Award at the Westway, and a late-night supper at the Four Seasons Restaurant hosted by Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Vera Wang.

To support C.F.D.A. president Diane von Furstenberg's desire for this year's awards to have a 'one point of view' design ethos, a 35- by 19-foot projection screen displayed rotating black-and-white images taken at the historic Alder Manor in the Yonkers. Each room or space represented an honoree or category of nominees to keep with the night's narrative flow.
To support C.F.D.A. president Diane von Furstenberg's desire for this year's awards to have a "one point of view" design ethos, a 35- by 19-foot projection screen displayed rotating black-and-white images taken at the historic Alder Manor in the Yonkers. Each room or space represented an honoree or category of nominees to keep with the night's narrative flow.
Photo: David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
'We wanted to keep a unified design aesthetic,' said KCD president and partner Julie Mannion, who oversaw the production of the awards. So from the invitation to the red carpet, a black-and-white color scheme, with a red accent, was devised to reinforce the signature color of the C.F.D.A. and what is an overarching color trend in the spring 2013 collections. The 90-foot-long step-and-repeat, designed by Laird & Partners, echoed the interior design with black molding and logos. The black carpet with white inlay, designed by KCD, measured 20 by 120 feet.
"We wanted to keep a unified design aesthetic," said KCD president and partner Julie Mannion, who oversaw the production of the awards. So from the invitation to the red carpet, a black-and-white color scheme, with a red accent, was devised to reinforce the signature color of the C.F.D.A. and what is an overarching color trend in the spring 2013 collections. The 90-foot-long step-and-repeat, designed by Laird & Partners, echoed the interior design with black molding and logos. The black carpet with white inlay, designed by KCD, measured 20 by 120 feet.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
A new, standout decor piece during arrivals and cocktails was the Swarovski Crystal Palace Iris, a freestanding sculptural piece designed by the duo Fredrikson Stallard meant to be an interpretation of the human eye. The sculpture, which contained more than 600 hand-cut crystals, consisted of four separate pieces combining Swarovski crystal and different metal treatments, from gold leaf to Corten.
A new, standout decor piece during arrivals and cocktails was the Swarovski Crystal Palace Iris, a freestanding sculptural piece designed by the duo Fredrikson Stallard meant to be an interpretation of the human eye. The sculpture, which contained more than 600 hand-cut crystals, consisted of four separate pieces combining Swarovski crystal and different metal treatments, from gold leaf to Corten.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Also fashioned in black molding as part of the overall design aesthetic was corporate sponsor HP's installation that featured a specially developed app of the C.F.D.A. Awards journal on the computers. There was also a video loop of journal images shot by Peter Lindbergh on the screens.
Also fashioned in black molding as part of the overall design aesthetic was corporate sponsor HP's installation that featured a specially developed app of the C.F.D.A. Awards journal on the computers. There was also a video loop of journal images shot by Peter Lindbergh on the screens.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn /BFAnyc.com
As guests entered the stage (like Nadja Swarovski, pictured), they emerged onto the custom-built 27- by 50-foot award stage from behind strategically placed doors meant to mimic the idea of looking into a room. Composed of 16 separate pieces (eight on the ceiling and four on each wall panel) spanning nearly 19,000 linear feet in total, the platform rested on a 1/2-inch-raised CNC-routed MDF floor painted with multiple coats of sealer.
As guests entered the stage (like Nadja Swarovski, pictured), they emerged onto the custom-built 27- by 50-foot award stage from behind strategically placed doors meant to mimic the idea of looking into a room. Composed of 16 separate pieces (eight on the ceiling and four on each wall panel) spanning nearly 19,000 linear feet in total, the platform rested on a 1/2-inch-raised CNC-routed MDF floor painted with multiple coats of sealer.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc.com
A new Swarovski crystal lectern, composed of about 300 clear crystals (a mixture of rectangular and square) and created specially for the awards, served as a centerpiece onstage. The crystals were attached to acrylic panels to create a light and airy look, which allowed attention to be focused on award recipients like Oscar de la Renta, who accepted his Founder's Award from Hillary Rodham Clinton.
A new Swarovski crystal lectern, composed of about 300 clear crystals (a mixture of rectangular and square) and created specially for the awards, served as a centerpiece onstage. The crystals were attached to acrylic panels to create a light and airy look, which allowed attention to be focused on award recipients like Oscar de la Renta, who accepted his Founder's Award from Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Photo: David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
Matching the tone of the C.F.D.A. Awards journal photographer Peter Lindbergh, recognized for his black-and-white photography and elegant period setting of the award ceremony design, the cocktail hour in the atrium featured a unifying white decor peppered with black-and-white graphics. The pattern appeared on the pillows, conversation tables, and even the bars, which were marked with all-black molding inspired by the award set.
Matching the tone of the C.F.D.A. Awards journal photographer Peter Lindbergh, recognized for his black-and-white photography and elegant period setting of the award ceremony design, the cocktail hour in the atrium featured a unifying white decor peppered with black-and-white graphics. The pattern appeared on the pillows, conversation tables, and even the bars, which were marked with all-black molding inspired by the award set.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFANYC.com
Latest in Event Design & Decor
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
Related Stories
Signage from event sponsor Browns Shoes decorated the dance floor at Fashion Magazine's 35th anniversary event.
Event Design & Decor
Floor Decor
Friends of the High Line Benefit
Event Design & Decor
Decor Dreams
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening
Event Design & Decor
Decor
At Gensler and Herman Miller's vignette, the dining table was surrounded by walls covered in thousands of Hershey's Kisses wrapped in purple foil. Attendees were invited to take one as a symbol of the 'many hands it takes to spark positive change.'
Event Design & Decor
Wall decor
More in Event Design & Decor
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
A rich color palette, archival footage, and a carefully curated performance lineup brought legacy and innovation together for this 480-guest celebration of BET’s 45th year.
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
At the California Science Center’s 26th annual Discovery Ball, attendees enjoyed Dodger Dogs, danced on a basketball court, and raised paddles—or foam fingers—for a good cause.
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
The NYC food rescue organization hosted its yearly fundraising event, which featured a vibrant tropical theme inspired by lively cultural celebrations.
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
This Historic Theater Turned a 100-Year Milestone Into a One-of-a-Kind Gala
The Pasadena Playhouse celebrated its centennial with a bold, unconventional gala featuring immersive projection mapping and a surprise escrow announcement—all while shattering fundraising records.
While officially buying the building before the gala was always the goal, event planner Sam Palmer was careful to ensure the gathering would be successful even if the timing didn’t work out. “We had a million different plans, because quite frankly, a million details needed to go right for that to happen,' he said. 'Our leadership and board worked very, very hard to get us across the finish line, and it was a beautiful moment.”
Event Design & Decor
See Inside This Year’s Bright Blue Public Art Fund Party
The annual spring benefit maintained its playful energy with pingpong tables and ice cream bars.
Blue hues covered everything from the menus to decorative textiles to pingpong tabletops.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Sports
Fanatics Fest 2025: This Mega Celebration of Sports Fandom Returned For a Bigger, Bolder Second Year
Industry Insiders
Inside the Build: How Bellagio Fountain Club Delivers F1® Weekend’s Most Luxurious Hospitality Experience
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Event Design & Decor
Renowned Event Designer David Stark Breaks Down His Creative Process
What inspires one of the industry’s most creative minds? The chief creative officer of David Stark Design and Production walks us through the design rules he actually follows—and the ones he ignores.
For a Kiehl’s event, Stark turned larger-than-life calendula products into striking art pieces, which were overflowing with flowers as a nod to the brand's natural ingredients.
Event Design & Decor
12 Desert-Inspired Event Ideas From This Skincare Brand's Dreamy Influencer Trip
Native whisked 15 beauty editors to an Arizona resort to test how moisturizing its new products really are.
The welcome dinner took place at a communal table flecked with decor in desert-inspired hues. The Valley handled furniture rentals, while Let’s Bash provided tabletop rentals.
Event Design & Decor
See Inside HBO's Stunning 'The White Lotus' Premiere Event
HBO and UNBOXED GROUP transformed a Hollywood soundstage into a lush Thai resort for the HBO series' highly anticipated season three premiere.
'The umbrella ceiling was a visual highlight and one of our favorite design elements,' said UNBOXED GROUP's Kyle Absolom. 'It featured over 600 white umbrellas, backlit to create a soft glow in that area.'
Event Design & Decor
10 Glam Stations That Stole the Spotlight at Events
Instead of a free water bottle or notebook, these activations send guests home with a glow-up.
It's no secret that glam stations are prevalent at music festivals. At Coachella 2024, Pinterest activated with a fashion and beauty experience called Manifest Station, produced by MKG. Inside, fans could get glowy beauty looks created by celebrity makeup artists from trend-inspired menus built through collaborative boards on Pinterest. Popular options included bold, colorful graphic liners; gemstones; pearls; and metallic stickers. See more: Coachella 2024: Here's What You Missed From This Year's Coolest Parties and Brand Activations
Event Design & Decor
Oscars 2025: Steal-Worthy Event Design Highlights From Hollywood's Biggest Week
Luxe neutral tones and structural elements reigned supreme in this year's event design, popping up at star-studded bashes from Vanity Fair, Universal, Searchlight, ESSENCE, and more.
Governors Ball
Event Design & Decor
17 Stunning (and Unique) Ways Events Have Immersed Guests in Nature
These innovative event designs used natural settings and elements to transport guests to breathtakingly beautiful environments—both indoors and out.
Guests at the viewing party enjoyed a seated meal under a canopy of lush leaves. Avenge Creative worked with vendors including Unmatched Lighting, Jackson Shrub Supply, Event Carpet Pros Inc., GifCube, Town & Country Event Rentals, and Stitch. See more: Golden Globes 2025: See Inside the Award Show, Plus How the Wildfires Are Affecting Other Hollywood Events
Page 1 of 271
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.