CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg told the sold-out theater "Tonight is the night we designers and members of the industry salute our peers and celebrate their talents. We are a family." She then went on to speak about the organization's accomplishments over the past year, including raising $1 million for the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, launching the CFDA Fashion Incubator, working with the Design Trust on the Garment District, lobbying for copyright protection through the establishment of the Fashion Law Institute, and the continued growth of services for CFDA's 350 members.
As guests entered Alice Tully Hall, they were greeted by an assemblage of 45 models staged across the grand outdoor staircase in front of the atrium, with each model wearing a design by the three nominees for the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award.
"The diversity and originality of American fashion is demonstrated by those honored with CFDA Fashion Awards," said CFDA Executive Director Steven Kolb. "The collective work of this celebrated group reflects the depth of accomplishment and enduring influence of American fashion."
"Swarovski is once again honored to have been a part of such an incredible evening," said Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications, Swarovski. "We send our most sincere congratulations to all the honorees and winners. In keeping with Swarovski's commitment to foster fashion's brightest emerging stars, we are especially looking forward to working with this year's Swarovski Award winners."
With the announcement of the 2010 Swarovski Award nominees in March, Swarovski approached each designer with an opportunity to create the ultimate Swarovski piece to celebrate the category for which they were nominated. The designers went to work, utilizing Swarovski's crystals, trims, and beads to evolve their ideas for what is now part of an exclusive compilation entitled: The CFDA Swarovski Award Collection. The collection will be sold with proceeds benefitting the CFDA's educational initiatives. As each designer turned their sketch into a reality, Swarovski and film directors Josh Melnick and Xander Charity documented the process by creating a short film, BRILLIANT, which debuted during last night's ceremony.
KCD produced the event, and the journal and graphics were designed by Trey Laird of Laird + Partners.
Nominees, honorees, and winners were determined by a selection committee comprised of CFDA members, leading fashion journalists, stylists, and top retail executives. Ernst & Young LLP was the official accounting firm of the Awards.
Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
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