Badu, whose personal style is as unapologetically unique as her music, accepted the award with a playful sense of joy, claiming it was something she had been hoping for since she was just six years old. Draped in a Thom Browne jacket and a headpiece that shimmered with jewels, Badu used her acceptance speech to reflect on her journey in style, saying that for her, fashion is “a sport, a form of therapy… and yes, even a husband.”
The CFDA Fashion Awards, held at the prestigious American Museum of Natural History, saw attendees like Katie Holmes, Cynthia Erivo, and Kylie Jenner, all turning heads with their own spins on high fashion. But it was Badu, ushered onstage by ex-partner and OutKast star André 3000, who stole the evening’s attention. In a cheeky nod to Badu’s grounded but bold personality, André arrived with an orange caution cone—perhaps symbolizing the “danger” of Badu’s uncontainable style. Together, they shared a quiet moment of nostalgia, reminding fans of their shared history and creativity.
As the Grammy-winning artist accepted her award, she leaned into her quirky persona. “The world,” she mused with a smile, “is a private joke between me and my things.” It was a line that seemed to capture the essence of her unique view on fashion. For Badu, clothing isn’t just an outfit but an experience. Her wardrobe, filled with Afrocentric influences, towering hats, flowing headwraps, oversized jewelry, and mystical talismans, has disrupted red carpets and broken the mold of “black-tie” standards.
A Night for Emerging and Established Stars in Fashion
While Badu’s award closed out the night, many other designers and icons had their time to shine. Cynthia Erivo, known for her theatrical elegance, hosted the event, making a memorable appearance herself in a custom-designed, hooded Zac Posen gown created in partnership with Gap. The spotlight then turned to emerging talents, such as Rachel Scott, founder of the label Diotima, who received the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. Scott, originally from Jamaica, gave an emotional speech as she thanked her mother and the women back home who brought her crochet designs to life.
Scott, known for her innovative knitwear and celebrated as an emerging designer in 2023, reflected on her path to recognition. “I’ve been on so many design teams, so I’m still getting used to this kind of attention,” she admitted, showcasing her humility and appreciation for the recognition she has received.
Troye Sivan, the pop star known for his edgy fashion, presented the Menswear Designer of the Year award to Willy Chavarria, marking Chavarria’s second win in this category. Chavarria’s acceptance speech struck a somber tone, as he acknowledged the turbulent times and the impact of societal changes on his creative work. “It’s a strange time to be designing,” he remarked, hinting at the upcoming U.S. elections. “So many in this room are rightly concerned about their rights.”
Thom Browne, the newly appointed chair of the CFDA, echoed the theme of civic duty, reminding the audience that fashion, like democracy, is about choice. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand kicked off the evening with a call to action, urging the influencers, designers, and celebrities present to mobilize their audiences to vote. “If we wake up on Wednesday and don’t recognize this country, and we didn’t leave it out on the field, we have no one to blame but ourselves,” she warned.
Celebrating Craft and Individuality
From playful presentations to heartfelt tributes, the CFDA awards continued to spotlight those pushing the boundaries in design. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, iconic figures in their own right, teamed up to present Raul Lopez of Luar with the Accessory Designer of the Year award. Lopez dedicated his win to “everyone who grew up as I did, the child of immigrants, believing in the power of a dream.” The night proved to be a well-deserved homage to trailblazers like Lopez, known for his bold, street-inspired aesthetic.
The evening also paid tribute to icons within the international fashion scene, honoring Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli as International Designer of the Year. His collection has recently taken the red carpet by storm, fusing surrealist elements with couture, including a stunning appearance by Nicole Kidman at the Venice Film Festival.
Other highlights of the evening included the Amazon Innovation Award, given to Stuart Vevers for his work with Coach. Renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz took home the Media Award, cementing her legacy as a visionary who has captured some of the most memorable moments in fashion. The Positive Change Award, recognizing social and environmental contributions, went to Michael Kors, and Stephen Burrows, a legend in American fashion, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Burrows’ career spans decades and includes unforgettable moments like his role in the historic “Battle of Versailles” fashion show in 1973.
Badu Joins an Esteemed Circle
With her award, Erykah Badu joins a celebrated list of previous CFDA Fashion Icons that includes Serena Williams, Zendaya, and Kim Kardashian. Her unique style and daring choices continue to influence and inspire. In accepting this award, Badu reaffirmed that fashion is more than just clothes; it’s a declaration of individuality and resilience. This iconic evening celebrated her, along with many other innovators, for what they bring not just to fashion but to culture itself. Vva magazine wellness and balanced living magazine
