Serena Williams’ impact on the fashion industry was recognised with the Fashion Icon award
The annual CFDA Awards – hosted by The Council of Fashion Designers of America – honours innovators and industry titans in the United States, with the four most coveted awards being American Womenswear Designer of the Year, American Menswear Designer of the Year, American Accessory Designer of the Year and American Emerging Designer of the Year. Designers are also recognised for their commitment to sustainability and impact on the industry.
The biggest honour of the night, Fashion Icon, was awarded to Serena Williams as recognition for her contribution to fashion. The tennis champion and entrepreneur has kept spectators entertained on and off the court with fun, inventive and occasionally controversial fashion choices. For example, the blood clot-preventing catsuit deemed inappropriate by the French Open that led to the instating of a dress code; a white tutu designed in collaboration with Virgil Abloh of Off-White; and her glittering, diamond-encrusted ensemble worn for her final competition. “The tennis courts became my runway, and the U.S. Open was my own New York Fashion Week,” said Williams during her acceptance speech. She made history as the first athlete to win the award. For the event, she wore a voluminous Thom Browne gown complete with puffed-up sleeves and cascading train.
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Gwyneth Paltrow and her lifestyle brand, Goop, was awarded the Innovation Award because of its visionary, technology-led approach to branding, marketing, social media, customer engagement and product development, and its impact on how customers shop today. Goop made waves when it was first founded in 2008 because it facilitated an open dialogue surrounding wellness and otherwise taboo topics, including sexual health. Beginning as a blog-style website chronicling recipes, beauty buys and wellness tips utilised by Gwyneth herself, Goop has become a go-to platform to stay informed on beauty, wellness, food and fashion. Goop has since launched its own beauty and fashion lines.
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Of the designers up for awards, Jonathan Anderson of J.W Anderson and LOEWE walked away with the International Designer of the Year award; Vera Wang won the Board of Directors’ Tribute for her impact on the bridal industry; and The Row, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, was awarded American Accessory Designer of the Year. For the full list of winners click here.
