During the night, whilst I was undertaking less important post-work pursuits such as eating/sleeping, the nominees for the 2016 CFDA awards were announced. Or, as many like to deem them – fashion’s Oscars. Or, as we do – the ceremony where Rihanna turned up in that sheer dress and matching turban. Oh, the splendour! Now, we can’t promise that anybody will appear is such a bold ensemble to this year’s awards, but what we can promise that competition is just as piping hot. Like a large bite of just-out-the-oven fashion pie. For womenswear, our new pals the Proenza boys (watch us get up close and personal here) go against Mr Marc Jacobs (pictured), whilst Thom Browne and Public School dual it out for menswear glory (alongside others very talented sorts, obviously). And then there’s the prestigious honours – Gucci’s long-locked visionary Alessandro Michele gets the International Award and the departed but not forgotten David Bowie takes home the Board of Director’s Tribute. Congratulations to all the nominees – the countdown to June 6 begins…
Womenswear Designer of the Year
 
 Marc Jacobs
 Proenza Schouler: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez
 Altuzarra: Joseph Altuzarra
 Rodarte: Kate and Laura Mulleavy
 The Row: Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen
Menswear Designer of the Year
 
 Thom Browne
 Public School: Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne
 Rag & Bone: David Neville and Marcus Wainwright
 Todd Snyder
 Tim Coppens
Accessories Designer of the Year
 
 Irene Neuwirth
 The Row: Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen
 Altuzarra: Joseph Altuzarra
 Mansur Gavriel: Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel
 Proenza Schouler: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez
Swarovski Award for Womenswear
 
 Monse: Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia
 Brandon Maxwell
 Ryan Roche
Swarovski Award for Menswear
 
 Orley: Alex Orley, Matthew Orley, Samantha Orley
 John Elliott
 Gypsy Sport: Rio Uribe
Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
 
 Brother Vellies: Aurora James
 Paul Andrew
 Gigi Burris
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
 
 Norma Kamali
The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard
 
 Imran Amed, editor in chief of The Business of Fashion
The Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert
 
 Donna Karan
International Award
 
 Gucci: Alessandro Michele
Board of Directors’ Tribute Award
 
 David Bowie
Photograph by Jason Lloyd-Evans, backstage at Marc Jacobs AW16
 
 