Monday night saw the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, AKA the second best fashion red carpet in America – second to the Met Gala. As usual the style set was out in force, many championing American designers for the awards ceremony. I have to admit, while I do love a princess gown on the red carpet, when it’s a fashion event or awards ceremony I love to see envelope-pushing, edgy looks rather than a gorgeous gown. For this reason, my top five looks are all slightly cooler and more effortless. Here are my favourite looks:
Diane Kruger in Monse
I adore Monse and give a little whoop of excitement when I see the fledgling label worn on the red carpet. Designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia cut their teeth at Oscar de la Renta and are joint Creative Directors at the eponymous American brand as well as their own label. I love the unexpected electric blue velvet with a gold paint splatter effect. Their bold and feminine perspective looks so refreshing on the red carpet.
Hailey Baldwin in Cushnie et Ochs and Brother Vellies
Cushnie et Ochs is another brand I love seeing on the red carpet, their minimal, sexy dresses are often overlooked I feel. I love how Hailey has offset the clean lines of the dress with pretty, frou-frou accessories from Bother Vellies – definitely a label to keep your eye on.
Janelle Monae in Christian Sirano
You can always rely on Ms Monae to dress for the occasion, crowd and dress code. While we witnessed plenty of flouncy gowns which don’t quite seem right for the CFDAs, Janelle knocks it out of the pack once again with an edgy, monochrome look.
Brit Marling in Sies Marjan
Straight from the AW17 runway to the CFDA red carpet in top to toe dusky pink, Brit Marling is a millennial dream. I love the relaxed, undone vibe which still looks appropriate for the fashion awards.
Martha Hunt in Milly
This is the closest I will get to liking a traditional red carpet dress at any fashion awards. The slightly awkward cut outs and subtle asymmetric hemline adds a much needed edge to a classic va-va-voom red carpet number.
And of course, the actual winners are…
Womenswear Designer of the Year – Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
Menswear Designer of the Year – Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
Accessory Designer of the Year – Stuart Vevers for Coach
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent – Laura Kim and Fernando Garcio for Monse
Swarovski Award for Positive Change – Kenneth Cole
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award – Rick Owens
Founder’s Award – Pat McGrath
International Award – Demna Gvasalia for Vetements and Balenciaga
Board of Directors’ Tribute – Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem and Janelle Monae
Fashion Icon Award – Franca Sozzani
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