This year’s biggest achievers in American fashion have officially been crowned. On Monday evening in New York City, an intimate yet powerful group of celebrities, fashion designers, and industry professionals convened at The American Museum of Natural History for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards. CFDA Chairman Thom Browne and Interim CEO Hildy Kuryk presided over the event, where Keke Palmer served as host and Anna Wintour, Matt Damon, Hailey Bieber, Cole Escola, and Zoë Kravitz were among the presenters.
While the winners of the Womenswear, Menswear, Accessory, and Emerging Designer of the Year categories were revealed live on-stage, several honorary categories — including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Fashion Icon Award, and Positive Change Award — had been announced ahead of time. See the full list of winners below.
American Womenswear Designer of the Year
Winner: Rachel Scott for Diotima
Nominees:
- Catherine Holstein for Khaite
- Michael Kors
- Rachel Scott for Diotima
- Tory Burch
- Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera
American Menswear Designer of the Year
Winner: Ralph Lauren
Nominees:
- Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School New York
- Ralph Lauren
- Thom Browne
- Todd Snyder
- Willy Chavarria
American Accessory Designer of the Year
Winner: Ana Khouri
Nominees:
- Ana Khouri
- Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen for The Row
- Raul Lopez for Luar
- Sophie Buhai
- Stuart Vevers for Coach
American Emerging Designer of the Year
Winner: Colleen Allen
Nominees:
- Colleen Allen
- Emily Dawn Long
- Julia Ferentinos for Juju Vera
- Julian Louie for Aubero
- Zane Li for Lii
Honorary Awards
- Positive Change Award: Tory Burch
- Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin
- International Designer of the Year: Anthony Vaccarello
- Founder’s Award, in honor of Eleanor Lambert: Linda Fargo
- Media Award, in honor of Eugenia Sheppard: Eva Chen
- Isabel Toledo Board of Directors’ Tribute: Susan Cianciolo
- Fashion Icon Award: Peter Marino
- Innovation Award Presented by Amazon Fashion: GAP Inc.
