2007 CFDA FASHION AWARDS PRESENTED IN NEW YORK

EVENING GENEROUSLY UNDERWRITTEN BY SWAROVSKI
Upstairs at the Library Viewing Party Hosted by T-Mobile Sidekick

New York, NY, June 5, 2007 – Last night, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) paid tribute to the winners and honorees of the 2007 CFDA Fashion Awards in the Celeste Bartos Forum of The New York Public Library. In a tie, top honors went to Oscar de la Renta and Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler for Womenswear Designer of the Year. Ralph Lauren won Menswear Designer of the Year and Derek Lam took home Accessory Designer of the Year. Phillip Lim won the Swarovski Award for Womenswear, David Neville & Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone won the Swarovski Award for Menswear, and the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design went to Jessie Randall for Loeffler Randall. The Awards were generously underwritten by Swarovski.

The evening also marked the 25th Anniversary of the CFDA Fashion Awards, and the presentation of honors in two newly designated categories: the first-ever American Fashion Legend Award, which went to Ralph Lauren, and the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Robert Lee Morris, the first jewelry designer to ever receive such a distinction by the organization.

Designer Pierre Cardin was recognized with this year’s International Award; Washington Post columinist Robin Givhan was honored with the Eugenia Sheppard Award; fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier received the Eleanor Lambert Award; and the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute went to singer and humanitarian Bono and Ali Hewson, his wife and partner in a host of philanthropic fashion initiatives.

The presentation was hosted by actress Ellen Barkin, who will appear in this summer’s feature film Ocean’s 13. Also lending their talents to this year’s presentation were Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Uma Thurman, Oprah Winfrey, and the cast of the Tony-nominated musical “Spring Awakening.”  Some of the most influential names in American fashion design, like CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Zac Posen, Arnold Scaasi and Vera Wang were joined by celebrity guests Kate Bosworth, Sean Combs, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Heidi Klum, Vanessa Williams, and Eva Mendes.

Of the ceremony, CFDA Executive Director Steven Kolb said, “It is especially fitting that on this, the 25th Anniversary of the CFDA Fashion Awards, the strength and diversity of this industry is so well-represented. From the emerging talent embodied by the Swarovski winners to the span of generations on both the men’s and women’s categories, to the presence of iconic figures who have influenced fashion for decades like Pierre Cardin and Ralph Lauren. At this important milestone, we are proud to say that the CFDA Fashion Awards remains a powerful symbol of the fine institution that American Fashion is and will continue to be.

“Swarovski is especially honored and privileged to have been a part of such a magical evening celebrating the CFDA's 25th anniversary, said Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications. “We send our most heart-felt congratulations to all the honorees and winners.  In continuing Swarovski's commitment to fostering fashion's brightest emerging stars, we are especially excited by the prospect of working with the latest Swarovski Award winners.  This talented group will undoubtedly become tomorrow's legends and icons as the CFDA enters its next 25 years.”

For the second year in a row, the celebration incorporated a Viewing Party.  “Upstairs at the Library Hosted T-Mobile Sidekick” was a lounge-like space from which a larger group of fashion designers, editors and other industry supporters watched a live simulcast of the awards.

The CFDA is also proud to announce that for the second year in a row, highlights of the event will be podcast online at www.cfda.com and on iTunes.

Related Documents
CFDA Fashion Awards Winners - Press Release

High-Res Image Downloads
CFDA 3rd June Images