<p>From the Big Four to special accolades, this year's lineup of fashion innovators is simply star-studded.</p>

<p>In the world of fashion, you have many facets of the industry. Collections, activations, and other types of events are meant to get a brand's name out there to the masses. However, one key happening brings models, designers, and celebrities together to celebrate the year's defining style visionaries.</p>
<p>The Council of Fashion Designers announced this year's array of nominees and honorees for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion. Taking place on Monday, November 2 at the American Museum of Natural History, the event will be hosted by the talented Keke Palmer, who will bring her signature high-energy charisma to the evening.</p>
<p>“The CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion are a defining moment for American creativity, bringing our community together to recognize the designers and creative voices whose talent, vision, and originality continue to move our industry forward,” said CEO and CFDA President Steven Kolb. “This year feels especially meaningful as we celebrate the extraordinary breadth of American creativity and its influence on culture around the world. We are proud to honor those shaping fashion today while creating a platform that inspires and supports the generation that will define its future.”</p>
<p>Nominees and winners in the American Womenswear, Menswear, Accessory Design, and Emerging Designer of the Year categories were curated by the CFDA Fashion Awards Guild. Comprised of CFDA member designers, fashion editors and journalists, retail executives, stylists, influencers, and other industry professionals, voting starts on Wednesday, October 7 and closes on Wednesday, October 21.</p>
<p>Without further ado, here are this year's nominees and honorees for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards.</p>

<h2>American Womenswear Designer of the Year</h2>

<ul>
<li>Catherine Holstein for Khaite</li>
<li>Michael Kors</li>
<li>Rachel Scott for Diotima</li>
<li>Tory Burch</li>
<li>Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera</li>
</ul>

<h2>American Menswear Designer of the Year</h2>

<ul>
<li>Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School New York</li>
<li>Ralph Lauren</li>
<li>Thom Browne</li>
<li>Todd Snyder</li>
<li>Willy Chavarria</li>
</ul>

<h2>American Accessory Designer of the Year</h2>

<ul>
<li>Ana Khouri</li>
<li>Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen for The Row</li>
<li>Raul Lopez for Luar</li>
<li>Sophie Buhai</li>
<li>Stuart Vevers for Coach</li>
</ul>

<h2>Google American Emerging Designer of the Year</h2>

<ul>
<li>Colleen Allen</li>
<li>Emily Dawn Long</li>
<li>Julia Ferentinos for Juju Vera</li>
<li>Julian Louie for Aubero</li>
<li>Zane Li for Lii</li>
</ul>

<p>Since the founding of her eponymous label, Tory Burch has been a social responsibility advocate. Just five years after the launch of Tory Burch, the Tory Burch Foundation was born and has helped expand access to capital, education, mentorship, and opportunities for many women entrepreneurs. The act of implementing meaningful, impactful change into her brand is why she is this year's recipient.</p>

<h2>Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award</h2>

<p>For four decades, photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have been vital to the fashion image conversation. Whether it be for editorial, advertising, portraiture, or artistic works, the exploration of the human condition, identity, and beauty has resulted in the contemporary fashion we know today. Works across multiple fields make the Dutch-American fashion photography duo more than deserving of the accolade.</p>

<h2>International Designer of the Year Award</h2>

<p>When Anthony Vaccarello was appointed creative director of Saint Laurent, many were curious about where the Belgian fashion designer would take the storied house. A decade later, he has made the label one of the most anticipated to keep an eye out for. Sexy collections and campaigns have paired with silhouettes and accessories only the true fashion lover would dare to wear. Needless to say, the cultural relevance Vaccareello has brought to Saint Laurent is one of many reasons for him receiving the award.</p>

<p>In honor of CFDA founder Eleanor Lambert, the special prize is given to an individual who has supported American fashion. This year, American fashion business executive Linda Fargo will receive the award. Celebrating three decades at Bergdorf Goodman, her distinct way of storytelling and curating fashion has paired well with being an avid champion of American style, design, and clothing.</p>

<p>Known as one of the most important fashion writers of the '50s and '60s, Eugenia Sheppard is the basis of the Media Award. Eva Chen, Vice President of Fashion at Meta, continues that legacy as the 2026 recipient. With a background at ELLE, Condé Nast, and The Wall Street Journal, she has brought fashion and technology together while taking charge of international discussions along with designers, brands, creators, and audiences.</p>

<h2>Isabel Toledo Board of Directors' Tribute</h2>

<p>Formerly known as the Namesake Award, Cuban-American fashion designer Isabel Toledo was posthumously recognized by the CFDA not just with the award in 2024, but also with a renaming in her honor. In 1995, fashion designer and artist Susan Cianciolo founded the RUN collection and was a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. From handwork, reuse, and repair to performance, film, and food, she is this year's honoree.</p>

The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards Nominees And Honorees Are Here

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

Keke Palmer Is Hosting The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards

Fashion

The New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027 Calendar is Officially Here

Film & TV

Angelina Jolie: A Life Without Borders

Recommended posts for you

Fashion