CFDA Awards (Featuring Kanye)
And Lady Gaga's blue hair.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, held at New York's Lincoln Centre last night, was a very colourful evening - not least of all because Lady Gaga arrived in a teal wig. Despite donning a bespoke Thierry Mugler gown (and those shoes!) for the evening, the outlandish songstress and 2011 recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon Award candidly responded "Nothing" when asked what she was wearing. Perhaps this was meant as forewarning, because when she took to the stage later on in the evening, Gaga was seen flashing a thong beneath sheer pantyhose. This is sure to add steam to hot contention about the singer's worthiness as recipient of the coveted Fashion Icon gong, previously given to Kate Moss, Iman and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Dressed all casual cool in his blue jeans, white blazer and a pair of curiously feminine loafers, Kayne West presented Pheobe Philo with the International Award for Best Fashion Designer. Kanye has made no bones in the past about his fondness for Celine's Creative Director, famously sporting a Celine silk blouse for his performance at Coachella this year and even giving Philo a shout-out in the first verse of 'Dark Fantasy': "I'm just a Chi-town nigga with a Nas flow and my chick in that new Phoebe Philo." Despite popular debate about whether West was an appropriate presenter for the prestigious CFDA's, his style influence is undeniable, much like Philo's own ubiquitous influence. One thing is for sure: the International Award was certainly well-deserved this year and who better to deliver the honour than one of Philo's most high-profile fans?
West's appearance at the CFDA Awards follows the release of his much anticipated 'Monster' video clip this week, an eerie and self-proclaimed "art piece" featuring lifeless (and sometimes decapitated) models.
Despite honouring Philo, this year's CFDA Awards was certainly one for the boys. Alexander Wang was named Accessories Designer of the Year, no doubt for his impressive craftsmanship in the shoe department and Michael Bastian took home the title of Menswear Designer of the Year. Robert Geller trumped both Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim, though, when he was awarded the Swarovski Award for Menswear, while Eddie Borgo outdid good friend, Pamela Love, by taking home the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.
Up against Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs, it was Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough for Proenza Schouler who took home the coveted title of Womenswear Designer of the Year. Wang and Jacobs didn't have to despair too much though, with both designers taking home awards of their own. This year, Marc Jacobs was awarded the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring commitment to fashion. Following an impressive tribute to the designer which featured live models, the prestigious award was presented to Jacobs by long-time friend and muse, Sofia Coppola, who referred to the award as Jacobs' "Half?Lifetime Achievement Award". All in all, it was (as always) a very fashionable affair.
Rosie Dalton
