CFDA Fashion Awards 2025: Ralph Lauren_ Thom Browne and The Row lead a confident new era for American fashion
The American Museum of Natural History provided a fitting backdrop for this year_s CFDA Fashion Awards_ presented by Amazon Fashion and hosted by Teyana Taylor. The 2025 edition balanced legacy and innovation_ celebrating enduring figures such as Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne alongside new-generation talent Ashlyn Park.
Celebrating American excellence
Ralph Lauren was named American Womenswear Designer of the Year_ presented by Naomi Watts_ reaffirming his enduring influence on American style. Thom Browne received American Menswear Designer of the Year_ presented by Mark Ronson and Public School designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne_ recognised for redefining modern tailoring through his conceptual precision and global reach.
In accessories_ Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen of The Row won American Accessory Designers of the Year. Their minimalist aesthetic and disciplined craftsmanship continue to define the quiet luxury movement shaping the market.
Rising voices and new directions
Addison Rae and Christopher John Rogers presented the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year award to Ashlyn Park of Ashlyn_ representing a new generation of American designers merging structure and sensitivity.
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay presented the Innovation Award_ sponsored by Amazon Fashion_ to Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God for his ability to merge culture_ luxury_ and contemporary American identity.
Pieter Mulier of Alaïa received the International Award from Naomi Campbell_ a reminder that American fashion remains deeply connected to the global stage.
Industry recognition and cultural impact
Anna Wintour presented the Fashion Icon Award to A$AP Rocky_ whose distinctive style continues to bridge music_ fashion_ and culture. Donatella Versace accepted the Positive Change Award from Amber Valletta_ who wore the original jungle dress_ for her advocacy of inclusivity and sustainability.
Sara Moonves_ editor-in-chief of W Magazine_ received the Media Award in honour of Eugenia Sheppard_ while Cynthia Rowley was recognised with the Founder_s Award in honour of Eleanor Lambert.
The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ralph Rucci_ presented by Thom Browne_ for his decades of technical mastery and commitment to American craftsmanship.
What this year signified
In his recent appearance on Lauren Sherman_s Fashion People podcast_ CFDA CEO Steven Kolb reflected on how the organisation_s mission continues to evolve. He highlighted that American fashion is still grounded in accessibility_ democracy_ and creativity_ even as its business structures grow more global and digital.
Kolb also emphasised the CFDA_s focus on entrepreneurship_ noting that you can be a designer in Memphis_ Tennessee_ and still have a valid business. For him_ the strength of American fashion lies not in geography but in its ability to fuse creativity with business agility.
That philosophy was mirrored throughout the awards: from Park_s independent ascent to Lorenzo_s cultural impact_ the evening celebrated designers who merge artistry with commercial intelligence. Kolb also discussed sustainability and consumer values_ suggesting that the best way to slow fashion down is to buy things that you hold on to_ a sentiment that aligns closely with The Row_s and Fear of God_s emphasis on durability and timeless design.
Outlook
Performances by Olivia Dean and a film by Nian Fish offered moments of reflection amid the glamour_ while Jenna Lyons returned as the CFDA_s official Red Carpet Host.
If 2024 was a year of recalibration_ 2025 signals a more assured moment for American fashion_ one that is secure in its identity_ globally minded_ and grounded in craft and purpose