Lake Bell and Rashid Johnson made headlines as they graced the red carpet at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, marking a stylish debut for the newly public couple. The event took place at New York’s Museum of Natural History on 2 November, just two days after they confirmed their romance with a playful Halloween-themed post on social media.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Rashid-Johnson-Lake-Bell-CFDA-awards-110226-adc232c84623455482ccb099f9a4efba.jpg)
Both Bell, aged 47, and Johnson, 49, embraced the evening’s formal theme by donning sophisticated black ensembles that showcased their individual styles while maintaining a coordinated look. Bell opted for an elegant black slip dress crafted from shimmering fabric, accentuated with detailed lace around the neckline and the lower hem. She complemented her outfit with simple black pumps and a rectangular black clutch, choosing to forego jewellery to keep the focus on the subtle elegance of her dress. Her hair flowed freely in loose waves, and she chose a natural makeup palette with a soft pink blush and lip colour.
Johnson mirrored Bell’s chic aesthetic in his own all-black attire, featuring a suit jacket complemented by trousers adorned with a stylish monochromatic zig-zag design. He made a bold statement with an unfastened button-down shirt, revealing a hint of his chest, which added a touch of casual flair to his otherwise polished look. His accessories included a black beaded necklace and a silver ring, which brought a contemporary edge to his ensemble.
The CFDA Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Fashion,” celebrate excellence in fashion design and recognise prominent figures from both American and global fashion communities. The accolades bestowed at this annual event illustrate the significance of style and innovation in the industry, making it an ideal occasion for the couple to make their relationship official in front of a wider audience.
Their appearance together on the red carpet followed the couple’s recent social media announcement where they shared a collaborative Halloween post on 31 October. The post, playfully dubbed a “hard launch,” featured a photograph of the pair celebrating the spooky holiday together, accompanied by the caption “Happy Hallow-hard launch.”
Prior to their public declaration, Bell and Johnson had been spotted together at various New York events, including the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala on 29 October and the Women for Afghan Women (WAW) 25th Anniversary HER Gala on 22 October. They also made an appearance at a New York Times celebration in September, which hinted at their growing relationship.
Lake Bell, previously married to Scott Campbell between 2013 and their split in 2020, has two children with her ex-husband: a daughter, Nova, aged 12, and a son, Ozgood, aged 9. In various interviews, she has emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship with Campbell, focusing on their children’s well-being. In an appearance on Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, she stated, “Scott and I both are really proud of our relationship as two grown-ups who love these children,” highlighting their commitment to family.
Rashid Johnson was previously married to Sheree Hovsepian for 15 years before they announced their separation in May. The couple shares a son, and Johnson has often spoken about the significance of family and parenting in his life, mirroring Bell’s values.
Both individuals are respected figures in their respective fields, with Bell established as an actress and filmmaker, while Johnson is a celebrated multimedia artist known for his innovative work in contemporary art. Their relationship seems to reflect a shared passion for creativity and the arts, which was evident in their stylish and thoughtfully coordinated appearances.
As the couple continues to step into the limelight together, their journey will surely be watched closely by both fans and the media. The CFDA Awards proved to be a glamorous beginning for Bell and Johnson’s public romance, setting the stage for what appears to be an exciting partnership in both their personal lives and professional endeavours.