Magical Moments of the CFDA Fashion Awards
By: Â Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Just as monumental an event as the traditionally lavish Met Gala, the CFDA Fashion Awards shine an even brighter light on the fashion industry.  This year’s award ceremony was held on Monday, June 2, 2014, at the Alice Tully Hall located within Lincoln Center in New York City and the event was hosted by film director and screenwriter, John Waters.
So much anticipation and excitement crowded the vast courtyard, from the flash of the cameras and the stir of the media to the impromptu acceptance speeches of the winners, the unique and mildly mixed looks, the celebratory after-party and much more, keeping the evening alive and magical in countless ways.  Many highlights paved the way to an evening of ambition and drive turned selflessly into success, accomplishment and achievement all perfect lessons for the fashion history books.
 Photos courtesy of Mike Coppola/Getty Images 2014
It all began with the highly anticipated Red Carpet arrivals. Â Rihanna once again had to be the center of attention as she appeared in a transparent Adam Selman mesh gown sparkling all the while from head to toe with very little left to the imagination. Â The ‘Style Icon of the Year’ award went to Rihanna and she made every moment count showing us just why she won that title.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
Everybody’s favorite drag queen from NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Mango, played by Chris Kattan, came out of retirement to stand close to devoted designer, Alexander Wang, who is featuring Mango in his newest campaign video.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
This was the night that designers live for and on the arm of some of the hottest creators of the decade were their muses, in custom creations, tempting all and reminding us of their abundance of talent. Â Michael Kors quite often rules the runway and while he walked the Red Carpet with the blossoming beauty, Blake Lively wearing one of his pieces from the Resort 2015 Collection, a few others could be seen in pieces from some of his other collections giving him large representation on this particularly important evening. Â Â Anna Wintour was photographed in a hemp linen dress from the Kors Spring 2014 Collection, Karen Elson chose a gold Kors sequined dress and Aerin Lauder wore a lace top and pleasing pants from the Kors Resort 2014 Collection.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
Greta Gerwig was in a vibrant red gown from Zac Posen who smiled a broad smile as he stood closely next to her proudly displaying his work.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
A Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week favorite, Lela Rose, brought out style and sophistication in Bridget Moynahan as she clothed her in one of her strapless fuchsia gowns.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
Each of the winners was given a silver statue signifying their win and a heartfelt thank you for all that they do for the fashion industry on a daily basis.  Technology played a huge part in the awards this year with a newly established CFDA Instagram Award.  The first time winner was Patrick Janelle who we also know as @aguynamedPatrick.
There were the emotional acceptance speeches that made you want to live those very special moments right alongside the winners.  The presenters of the fashion awards were as trend-setting with a star quality that is difficult to replicate.  Lupita Nyong’o, James Marsden and Keri Russell all took to the stage with praise and finesse.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Coppola/Getty Images 2014
The winners were as follows:
Womenswear Designer of the Year:Â Joseph Altuzarra ofAltuzarra
Menswear Designer of the Year: Public School’s Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne
Accessories Designer of the Year: The Row’s Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Womenswear:Creatures of the Wind’s Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Menswear:Â Tim Coppens
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Accessories Design:Â Irene Neuwirth
Fashion Icon Award:Â Rihanna
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award:Â Tom Ford
The International Award: Raf Simons for Dior
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
Needless to say, once all the awards were handed out and the fashion flurry came to an end, it was on to the after-parties. Â Raf Simons’s win was effusive as it was celebrated at the Dior after-party held at Laduree’ in Uptown Manhattan where fashion was toasted quite tastefully again and again over the course of the rest of the evening as the guests began to cling on to the memories of that day.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
A big congratulations goes out to all of our very deserving winners!
Photos Courtesy of Getty Images 2014
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