Introduction to the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards
Reigning fashion couple A$AP Rocky and Rihanna added another prestigious accolade to their collection this week when Rocky was honored with a Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award. At the event, often referred to as the "Oscars of fashion," the couple hit the red carpet at the American Museum of Natural History immaculately dressed in designer ensembles from Chanel and Alaia.
A$AP Rocky’s Award and Acceptance Speech
The award marks a significant moment for the multi-talented actor after a tumultuous start to the year in which he was acquitted of assault charges. Since then, Rocky has taken on the role of creative director for Ray-Ban, directed his second fashion show for his agency AWGE, co-chaired the Met Gala and starred in two films. Condé Nast Chief Content Officer Anna Wintour presented him with the Fashion Icon Award and welcomed him to the CFDA family. In his acceptance speech, Rocky expressed his deep gratitude to his team for their unwavering support during difficult times. “Thank you for holding me close, especially when the going gets tough and you go through trials and tribulations,” he said.
The Star-Studded Guest List
The 37-year-old also took a moment to acknowledge Rihanna, who was in the audience and received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award herself in 2014. “And look, we did it, baby,” he declared proudly. The star-studded guest list included supermodel Naomi Campbell, singer Lily Allen and designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Host Teyana Taylor entertained the audience and donned several Thom Browne looks.
Other Award Winners
In addition to the headline-grabbing honor for A$AP Rocky, the ceremony also celebrated a number of fashion heavyweights and emerging talents. CFDA Chairman Thom Browne presented fashion designer Ralph Rucci with the prestigious Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Ralph Lauren, who has been in the industry for over five decades, secured the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award for the second time. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen won American Accessories Designer of the Year for their luxury brand The Row, while Thom Browne himself won American Menswear Designer of the Year for his distinctive tailoring.
Emerging Designer of the Year and Other Awards
The Emerging Designer of the Year award went to Ashlynn Park of the brand Ashlyn, presented by pop star Addison Rae and designer Christopher John Rogers. Supermodel Amber Valletta presented the Positive Change Award to Donatella Versace, who wore the iconic low-cut Versace jungle dress. In a heartfelt tribute to fashion house Alaia, supermodel and longtime muse Naomi Campbell honored Pieter Mulier with the International Designer of the Year award.
Conclusion
Hollywood was in attendance and Julianne Moore presented Cynthia Rowley with the Founder’s Award. Jennifer Lawrence honored W The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Sara Moonves, received the Media Award, and filmmaker Ava DuVernay presented Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo with the Innovation Award. Amid the evening’s surprises, including a musical performance by Olivia Dean, one culinary constant remained: the ceremony’s famous chicken pot pie, served under a colossal model of a blue whale, topped with puff pastry in the shape of an animal.
