After days of sunny weather and above-seasonable temperatures, the fashion flock traipsed out in rain showers to the New Museum to hear the CFDA announce this year’s nominees for its fashion awards. High above the city streets and the downpours, Diane von Furstenberg and Nadja Swarovski, joined by the CFDA’s Steven Kolb, hosted an intimate cocktail soiree for a stylish set that included CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne of Public School, Joseph Altuzarra, and Aurora James. And this year’s crop of nominees includes more than 10 former CVFF finalists, including Paul Andrew, Rio Uribe of Gypsy Sport, and Orley, demonstrating the talent that comes out of the Fund each year.
One of this year’s nominees for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear, Laura Kim, who codesigns the label Monse with Fernando Garcia, was a bit surprised at her name being called. Having dressed the bright young things of Hollywood including Selena Gomez, Brie Larson, and Lady Gaga, how does the newly minted nominee feel? “I’m a little numb right now,” said the designer, laughing. “I want to see real women wearing [our clothes] because I think it’s time.” Also taken aback by his nomination was 2013 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Todd Snyder. “It’s amazing!” exclaimed Snyder. “I was totally shocked—I figured I was out of this thing.” Sharing that sentiment was CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Ryan Roche in her signature shades of camel with blush undertones. “It feels so amazing,” said Roche. “Last year, I wasn’t a member yet, so I was oblivious to the date. This time I knew about it, and it’s so meaningful to be included.” As for the ceremony, which takes place on June 6—it moves to the Hammerstein Ballroom this year and will feature an intimate dinner—is there anything new we can expect? “The show itself is evolving, as we all have moved very quickly into a new age of content,” said Kolb, noting, “We want to figure out how to take this intimate family reunion and show and expand what’s happening onstage to a bigger audience.” Will that mean seeing the awards on Snapchat, Periscope, or any of the other live-streaming apps? “We don’t know what that is yet, but we’ve been posting some of the movies on YouTube.” And with that, we’ll all be watching on our smartphones or live this summer.
Watch Vogue.com’s most popular videos now:
