The 2026 CFDA Awards took place Monday evening at the American Museum of Natural History, bringing together figures from fashion and entertainment for a night celebrating American fashion. Several honors had been announced ahead of the event: Anthony Vaccarello was named International Designer of the Year, Tory Burch received the Positive Change Award, photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin were honored with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, and Peter Marino was named Fashion Icon.
Donatella Versace praised Vaccarello’s talent and creative work. On the red carpet, Brandy wore a look by Sergio Hudson: a white button-down shirt with a black short skirt. Hudson said the collection was inspired by imagining a woman as the lead in a James Bond-style chase, reflecting his interest in strong women who forge their own paths.
Megan Thee Stallion wore a custom gown by Kim Shui, whom she described as a designer whose work she regularly wears. Nara Smith chose an Altuzarra look, saying its colors appealed to her and that she wanted an outfit with a sense of fun. Monica wore Cult Gaia, styled by Law Roach, and described the look as part of a broader sense of personal growth.
Matt Damon attended in Ralph Lauren with his daughter Isabella. Inside the museum, guests gathered in the African Mammals room for drinks and passed canapés. Vera Wang, Iman, Isaac Mizrahi and Christian Siriano were among those taking a break on a bench, while Allison Janney spoke with Bernadette Peters, who arrived with Stan Herman.
Sources: WWD.