Lupita Nyong’o attended the 2026 CFDA Awards at the Museum of Natural History in three custom GapStudio looks by Zac Posen, who received the evening’s Innovation Award. The designs drew on the classic Gap T-shirt and the broader tradition of American sportswear, Vogue reported.
Nyong’o began the evening in a red two-piece featuring a gathered crop top and maxi skirt, styled with a denim jacket and Elsa Peretti jewelry for Tiffany & Co. She later changed into a plunging white gown to present Rachel Scott of Diotima with the womenswear designer of the year award. Her final look paired a navy jersey dress with a denim bomber jacket and matching jean clutch.
Posen said the looks were built around T-shirt jersey, describing the material as comfortable and understated. Stylist Micaela Erlanger helped shape the outfits, adding accessories from Boucheron, Tiffany & Co., and CFDA accessory designer of the year Ana Khouri.
The choices reflected Nyong’o’s preference for relaxed, comfortable clothes with personality. She told Vogue that the evening’s outfits reworked classic, versatile pieces with a modern perspective. Before the ceremony, she got ready at the Fifth Avenue Hotel while listening to Stevie Wonder and Meshell Ndegeocello and snacking on leftover Swedish Candy from Halloween.
Sources: Vogue.