The first Monday in May may be reserved for the Met Gala, but the First Monday in November (admittedly a less catchy in moniker) is for a fashion event of equal caliber: the CFDA Awards. Thrown by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the ceremony honors the best in American fashion each year with a star-studded ceremony that brings out top models, actors, musicians, and designers. Like the Met Gala, American brands capitalize on the opportunity to trout out buzzy celebs in their latest pieces, creating some truly memorable red carpet moments.
From Rihanna in sparkly, sheer Adam Selman crystals to Beyoncé in House of Deréon and the Olsen twins in The Row, you can always count on the event to bring out show-stoppers. Here, a look back at the best CFDA Awards red carpet looks of all time.
Rihanna in Adam Selman
Rihanna was a showstopper at the 2014 awards, wearing a custom Adam Selman gown that left little to the imagination.
Bella Hadid in Michael Kors
In 2019, Bella Hadid took the plunge in a skin-tight Michael Kors number with a feather detail placed along the skirt for goof measure.
Beyoncé in House of Deréon
It was a family affair for Beyoncé at the 2004 awards. She wore a bright yellow design from her mother Tina Knowles’s brand, House of Deréon.
Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann
At the 2016 awards, Tilda Swinton arrived in a perfectly-Tilda look of tailored pants, and a strong-shouldered sweater.
Zendaya in Vera Wang
If anyone can make the formal crop top work, it’s Zendaya. The star wore a stunning ab-baring two-piece design, peplum skirt included, in 2021.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Michael Kors
Gwyneth Paltrow arrived at the 2010 awards on the arm of Michael Kors, wearing a sequined gown of his design.
Kylie Jenner in Haider Ackermann for JPG
Beware of Kylie Jenner’s 2024 look, courtesy of Haider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier. It had spikes.
Dakota Fanning in Proenza Schouler
In 2012, Dakota Fanning wore an kimono-inspired piece by Proenza Schouler.
Kim Kardashian in Chrome Hearts
For the 2023 event, Kim Kardashian showed up in full Chrome Hearts leather.
Natalie Portman
Then 15, Natalie Portman wore an age-appropriate LBD to the 1996 awards.
Jennifer Lopez in Randolph Duke
Jennifer Lopez did an early version of the naked dress in 1998.
Kate Bosworth in Altuzarra
Kate Bosworth was festive in Altuzarra at the 2012 ceremony.
Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row
Mary-Kate Olsen truly embraced the dark side of her new brunette hair in 2012, wearing an all-black ensemble from her own line, The Row.
Karen Elson in Proenza Schouler
Karen Elson contrasted her red hair with a two-piece emerald green Proenza Schouler ensemble in 2012.
Adriana Lima in Givenchy
Adriana Lima was an early adopter of the sheer trend, wearing a Givenchy gown to the 2013 awards.
Kendall Jenner in Off-White
In a feathered assymetric by Virgil Abloh for Off-White, Kendall Jenner made a splash at her first CFDAs in 2018.
Lady Gaga in Mugler
In 2011, Lady Gaga went full Mother Monster at the awards in a high-low Mugler number.
Claire Danes in Narciso Rodriguez
Claire Danes kept it simple in 2009 wearing a plunging black gown by Narciso Rodriguez.
Janelle Monae in Tadashi Shoji
Janelle Monae looked especially regal in a gold, caped frock at the 2015 awards.
Gigi Hadid in Michael Kors
Gigi Hadid was a shimmering vision in a sequined Michael Kors jumpsuit at the 2015 ceremony.
Amanda Seyfried in Rodarte
In 2015, Amanda Seyfried opted for a whimsical floral number, courtesy of Rodarte.
Linda Gray in Patrick Kelly
In 1987, actress Linda Kelly wore a bold look by Mississippi-born, Paris-based wunderkind, Patrick Kelly.
Katie Holmes in Simkhai
Katie Holmes channeled flapper energy at the 2022 CFDAs in a fringed confection by Simkhai.
Solange Knowles in Calvin Klein
Solange Knowles went super glam in 2014, wearing a silver dress by Calvin Klein.
Anne Hathaway in Ralph Lauren
For an event honoring American fashion, it was fitting Anne Hathaway attended the 2023 staging in a dramatic denim frock by Ralph Lauren.
Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford chose all-black in 1990.
Iman and David Bowie
Iman and David Bowie wore their black tie finery in 2002.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
With Ashley in black and Mary-Kate in white, the Olsen twins were the yin to each other’s yang in 2007.
Emma Stone in Burberry
As a blonde, Emma Stone wore a bright Burberry in 2012.
Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte
Kirsten Dunst wore Rodarte, her perennial red carpet go-to, in 2016.
Addison Rae in Thom Browne
Channeling her song “Aquamarine,” Addison Rae wore a mermaid-inspired Thom Browne look in 2024.
Liza Minelli in Oscar de la Renta
Liza Minelli arrived in 1989 in Oscar de la Renta, and with him by her side.
Naomi Campbell in Brandon Maxwell
In 2016, Naomi Campbell showed off her incredible figure in a revealing black dress.
Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu
Karlie Kloss was Jason Wu’s date in 2011, arriving in a show-stopping red gown of his design.
Chloë Sevigny in Proenza Schouler
Chloe Sevigny buttoned up in black and white in 2006.
Source: W Magazine
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