The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards showcased an impressive range of style and glamour, drawing a star-studded audience to New York City. Held at the iconic American Museum of Natural History on November 2, the prestigious event was hosted by Keke Palmer, who paid homage to legendary designer Bob Mackie with a throwback gown. The evening was marked by standout moments, particularly from celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Rosé, who all donned striking gold ensembles in support of renowned designer Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent.
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Polka dots emerged as a prominent trend of the night, with various attendees offering modern interpretations of the classic pattern. The awards, presented by Amazon Fashion, not only highlighted exceptional fashion but also celebrated the evolving landscape of style in contemporary culture.
Brandy solidified her status as a fashion icon with a contemporary ensemble that featured a plunging top complemented by a beaded skirt and semi-sheer gloves. Her appearance reaffirmed her position in the fashion world, demonstrating an effortless blend of elegance and modernity.
Zoë Kravitz took a different approach, embodying the spirit of a ‘golden girl’ in a striking outfit that showcased a liquid gold effect and eye-catching footwear. Her choice of attire solidified her reputation as a fashion-forward celebrity, always willing to take risks and make bold statements on the red carpet.
Lili Reinhart followed suit with a dazzling gown, enhanced by a spectacular diamond tennis necklace that boasted approximately 26.20 carats of white diamonds set in 18K gold. Valued at $107,000, the necklace was a significant accessory that added a touch of opulence to her look.
Hailey Bieber stepped onto the carpet in a dramatic gilded creation characterized by a drop waist and furry cuffs, adding an air of sophistication to the event. Meanwhile, Allison Janney made a memorable entrance in an eye-catching fuchsia gown, featuring exaggerated satin sleeves that contributed to a striking silhouette.
Fashion-savvy attendees were treated to a diverse array of styles, such as Gracie Abrams, who paired a black strapless gown with a statement necklace that commanded attention. Lupita Nyong’o’s ensemble evoked a cool vibe, combining a cropped top and matching skirt with a classic denim jacket, accessorised with Tiffany & Co. earrings and cuffs.
Among other noteworthy appearances, Brittany Snow showcased a silky mint green dress with an elaborate back, while Becky G opted for a playful baby blue design featuring a black and white print, complemented by silver platform sandals. Each outfit told a unique story, reflective of the individual styles and personalities of the stars in attendance.
Keke Palmer’s hosting duties were spotlighted further as she donned a vintage Bob Mackie gown, originally worn by Raquel Welch in 1975. She paired the look with Le Vian earrings and a dazzling Zydo ring, adding her own flair to the historical piece. Similarly, Demi Moore turned heads in an all-denim ensemble, a custom halter-neck dress crafted by Zac Posen, inspired by the design of Gap’s jeans.
Other celebrities, such as Awkwafina, made notable appearances in distinctive dresses that intertwined traditional elements with contemporary styles. Awkwafina’s black dress featuring a dramatic cape and embellished neckline stood out among the sea of elegant gowns.
The event was an incredible celebration of fashion, creativity, and individual expression, with each celebrity showcasing their unique style in a night dedicated to recognising the influence of fashion within popular culture. As the evening unfolded, the CFDA Fashion Awards truly elevated the sartorial landscape, leaving a lasting impression of innovation and artistic flair.