Let’s Salute The CFDA Fashion Awards 2012

Let’s Salute The CFDA Fashion Awards 2012

By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger

Photographer:  George Whylie

Videographer:  Maxine Nolan

Although we are no strangers to the Council of Fashion Designers Awards held each year in exciting New York City, this year marked the first time that the awards were digitally broadcast on Style.com for the world to savor and enjoy.

The ceremony is a celebration of the best of the best in the fashion world and took place live at Alice Tully Hall at Fashion Week’s Lincoln Center on June 4th, 2012.  It was broadcast online on June 5th, 2012.  This year is a major milestone for the notable awards as the event hit its 50 year anniversary.

Each year, it is an evening bringing together celebrities, designers, actors, models and media to look back on how fashion has been revolutionized over the years and look ahead to what the future may hold for the industry.  It is a time to look back in retrospect on designers who have had a major influence on the fashion trends throughout the decades.

This was the first-ever digitally broadcast sponsored by Lexus.  The awards are underwritten by Swarovski and this is the 11th year that the crystal corporation has graciously done so.  Later this week, Style.com‘s CFDA-dedicated section will host video clips from the ceremony which includes acceptance speeches, red carpet highlights, short films, onstage moments and more.

It all began with the Red Carpet entrance of the top looks in fashion on some of the most distinguished trendsetters today.

Dakota Fanning and Lily Collins went with the Oriental-inspired theme in full skirts and high necklines.  The colors and embellishment were very flattering for both.

One of the great designers in history, Diane von Furstenberg, gave the cameras a smile in a black and white straight sheath gown with a side slit.  Those colors seem to compliment her collections as well as her own style.

Another designer favorite going with the ‘Mar Velocity’ trend of futuristic and space age sophistication even down to the shoes was Cynthia Rowley.

A past Fashion Director of the CFDA looking vivacious and bright in full-length florals was Fern Mallis.

We all respect one of the top editors in fashion, Anna Wintour, who chose a Marc Jacobs knee-length red and yellow floral dress with skinny belt completed with neutral shoes and small chunky clear beads.

Jessica Chastain was the epitome’ of a fairy in a white Prabal Gurung dress with gold pumps.  Her bell sleeves were sheer and almost gave the appearance of a small cape.  Prabal Gurung also outfitted Zoe Saldana in black with dramatically low cut neckline and very revealing skirt, quite the opposite of Jessica.  Zoe continues to impress.

Tory Burch was striking in gold metallic accessorized with green earrings and a very tiny clutch purse.

Donna Karan wore her version of the tuxedo with a sequined black vest, tight spandex pants and long jacket with white handkerchief.

Michelle Harper intrigued in a blue costume-like dress complete with deep blue eye makeup and Raggedy Ann hair.

It seems that there was everything from silk and lace to sequins and embellishment.  Floral patterns were as popular as the solid brilliant hues.  Computer energy and Oriental heritage inspired many of the looks.  A hint of skin worked for some while more conservative dresses worked for others.  Almost every designer you could think of was represented on the Red Carpet and in the Hall either in person or in the creations worn on those attending the event.

Once the attendees made their way to their seats, the evening events began.  A touch of humor graced the room as Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live Head Writer and Anchor, played host.

Not only does this ceremony recognize designers with an impact, but it also puts the spotlight on emerging talent.  The Swarovski Award for Womenswear went to Joseph Altuzarra.

The Swarovski Award for Menswear went to Phillip Lim.

The Swarovski Award for Accessory Design went to Tabitha Simmons.

One of the greatest honors of all is to receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award which went to Tommy Hilfiger and was presented by Anna Wintour.  Tommy consistently shines in the design world and sets the trend year after year for all generations.

The Founder’s Award, established in memory of the CFDA founder, Eleanor Lambert,went to Andrew Rosen and was presented by Kenneth Cole.

The Media Award for excellence in journalism, created as a tribute to Eugenia Sheppard, went to digital journalists Scott Schuman and Garance Dore‘ by Pharrell Williams.

The International Award went to Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons.  Known for his somewhat unique style, Johnny Depp was given the Fashion Icon Award.  Actor John Waters presented the award.

Other awards included:

Womenswear Designer of the Year –  Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen for The Row

Menswear Designer of the Year – Billy Reid

Accessory Designer of the Year – Reed Krakoff

There were many laughs, many serious moments and above all there were joyous moments.  The Princeton Footnotes gave a live acapella performance for the guests.  Spotted in the crowd were Jennifer Tilly, Solange Knowles, Karen Elson, Michael Kors, Lauren Hutton and more.

To assist rising stars and dedicated students and to solidify CFDA’s commitment  to design education, four scholarships were awarded.  In our eco-friendly world, recognition is highly admired for John Bartlett, Marcia Patmos and Johnson Hartig who were the winners of the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Friendly Challenge.

None of this would have been possible if not for the generosity of Lexus, the automotive sponsor and QVC, the Red Carpet sponsor.  Swarovski went all out with glitterbox floor lamps and lanterns as well as a crystal-encrusted podium.  Ernst & Young, LLP was the official accounting firm of the Awards.  KCD was the executive producer of the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards.  United Airlines was the official airliner, W Hotels Worldwide was the official hotel and Smartwater was the official water.

Memorable moments are meant to last and we salute the grand winners and all those that came out to make this evening a huge success and a special occasion.   Talented designers will continue to set the trends in the office and on the streets.

PHOTO CREDITS:  Getty Images, WireImage, www.zimbio.com