The 2013 CFDA Nominations - Honoring Our American Designers

Left to Right: Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCoullough of Proenza Schouler // Marc Jacobs // Alexander Wang

Being nominated for any CFDA awards is already a very important recognition for any fashion designer. There are many great designers out there, but these three designers above have proven to be changing the way women dress in today's era. To shorten things up, these three (4) designers above have won an award more than once. When it comes to choosing a winner for this specific nomination, I have to say things look quite tense in selection one. I feel a buzz going in between Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. Who will win? We'll have to wait and find out on Tuesday.

Left to Right: Steven Cox & Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown // Michael Bastian // Thom Browne

Menswear designers must feel quite honored to be nominated in this type of field. It has been no secret as the years pass by, more men seem to be appreciating designer items to include in their wardrobe. All of these three designers above have also made some great changes in men's fashion in their own perspective. Thom Browne can be pleasing for his avant-garde work of arts, whilst Michael Bastian always finds some ways to make the modern man feel confident in what he wears. Duckie Brown has also been a brand that has done quite well over the past few seasons. For this particular nomination, I would give it to Michael Bastian.

Left to Right: Alexander Wang heels // Phillip Lim salmon bag // Proenza Schouler PS1 bag

Accessories are a quite a prestigious award to be nominated for. You know that without accessories, clothes just wouldn't have a story to be told or a touch of personality to your looks. Just as the womenswear nominations, this may be a tough decision to choose from. Phillip Lim has proven to be quite a tough candidate. Proenza Schouler has had a huge success with their PS1 handbags, while Alexander Wang has also had quite a success in the accessories market. In general, all have proven to be a favorite of many streetstyle fans.

Left to Right: Oscar de la Renta // Riccardo Tisci // Vera Wang

While these three designers may not have been nominated for any of the above nominations, they have gained respect in any of the above fields. Oscar de la Renta, nominated (winner) for The CFDA Founder's Award, is a very special recognition for any designer. But one of the most prestigious awards for any designer in my opinion is the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a designer for all their hard work and dedication over the past years. Vera Wang will be this year's designer to receive the recognition. And if you didn't quite grasp what the CFDA awards are, they are mostly to recognize our outstanding American designers who all deserve an applause. That being said, any other designer being nominated for an International Award must be an honor for any designer, who this year's award goes to Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. The CFDA couldn't have chosen any one better this year. 

Other Important Nominees

Swarovski Award for Womenswear:

Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty, Suno

Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters, Creatures of the Wind

Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs, Cushnie et Ochs

Swarovski Award for Menswear:

Tim Coppens

Todd Snyder

Dao-Yi & Maxwell Osborne, Public School

Swarovski Award for Accessories:

Pamela Love

Irene Neuwirth

Jennifer Meyer

Board of Directors' Tribute:

Colleen Atwood, American Costume Designer

AND A VERY SPECIAL AWARD

See who won here.