The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards brought together designers, models, musicians and actors at New York’s American Museum of Natural History on 2 November for a celebration of creativity and American fashion.
Hosted by Keke Palmer, the evening honoured some of the industry’s most influential names. Rachel Scott took home American Womenswear Designer of the Year for Diotima, while Ralph Lauren won American Menswear Designer of the Year.
And, of course, the red carpet gave us plenty to admire. Here are some of our favourite looks from the night.
Lupita Nyong’o in GapStudio
Lupita Nyong’o gave us one of our favourite looks of the evening in a custom red ensemble by GapStudio, designed by Zac Posen.
Her outfit featured a cropped top with a twisted detail at the front and a matching floor-length skirt. She carried a light-wash denim jacket, adding a relaxed touch to the striking look.
The rich red looked beautiful on Lupita, and the simplicity of the silhouette allowed the colour and the sculptural detail of the top to shine. The denim jacket was a fun addition, bringing a familiar wardrobe staple into a high-fashion moment.
Her choice also had a connection to the evening: Gap Inc. received the Innovation Award, recognising the company’s work across fashion and storytelling. Lupita later joined Francisco Costa to present American Womenswear Designer of the Year to Rachel Scott for Diotima.
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Olandria Carthen in Brandon Blackwood
Olandria Carthen continued her run of memorable fashion moments in a dramatic black look by Brandon Blackwood. The ensemble featured a structured corset bodysuit and sheer fabric that flowed into a train. The fitted silhouette and delicate draping gave the outfit a beautiful balance of glamour and drama.
Olandria and Blackwood already have a creative relationship. Earlier this year, they collaborated on a handbag collection featuring the O-Zip Mini Trunk, O-Top Handle Bag, O-Vanity Case and a lipstick-case charm. Seeing them reunite for another fashion moment makes this appearance even more special.
Keke Palmer in Vintage Bob Mackie
As the evening’s host, Keke Palmer arrived wearing a little piece of fashion history. She chose a vintage gold Bob Mackie gown with a structured halter neckline and chain detailing. The dress was previously worn by Raquel Welch during a 1975 performance with Cher on The Cher Show.
Keke’s red hair and the gown’s golden finish made the look feel wonderfully glamorous. We love seeing a historic design given a new moment on the red carpet, particularly by someone with the personality to make it feel entirely her own.
Megan Thee Stallion in Kim Shui
Megan Thee Stallion brought colour and craftsmanship to the carpet in a wine-red Kim Shui gown. The sheer dress featured intricate beaded and rope-like details, a high neckline, a waist cutout and a skirt that flowed into a train. Megan paired the dramatic look with sleek platinum hair, creating a striking contrast with the deep red fabric.
There was so much detail to admire, from the beading around the neckline to the way the skirt followed the shape of the gown. Megan looked confident, glamorous and completely at home in it.
Naomi Osaka in Miss Claire Sullivan
Naomi Osaka chose a playful take on eveningwear in a Miss Claire Sullivan gown covered in black polka dots. The white dress featured an asymmetric neckline, a dramatic sleeve and a black sash, bringing together volume, print and a sense of fun. It was a refreshing look that stood out on a carpet filled with metallics, red and black.
Naomi also had a role in the ceremony, joining Joseph Altuzarra to present American Accessory Designer of the Year to Ana Khouri.
A Night to Celebrate the Designers
The ceremony also celebrated Ana Khouri, who won American Accessory Designer of the Year, and Colleen Allen, who received the American Emerging Designer of the Year award. Tory Burch received the Positive Change Award, while Anthony Vaccarello was honoured as International Designer of the Year.
Catherine Holstein of Khaite was among the nominees for American Womenswear Designer of the Year. The label has a well-known admirer in Meghan Sussex, and its polished designs have earned it a place among the most talked-about names in fashion.
From Keke’s archival gold gown to Lupita’s modern take on red-carpet dressing, this year’s CFDA Awards gave us a wonderful mix of fashion history, creativity and personal style.
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