The late David Bowie was among the honorees at the 2016 CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards in New York on Monday (June 6).
The annual event celebrates the best in American design for the year, and also recognizes those whose influence has impacted the industry.
CFDA President and CEO, Steve Kolb said the tribute to Bowie would be a special part of the evening.
“I was just watching dress rehearsal and Tilda Swinton is accepting the award, Iman asked her if she would come tonight and accept the award. It’s actually David and Iman’s wedding anniversary tonight. And so Tilda has a really moving to tribute to David. And we have Michael C. Hall who is performing a David Bowie song. He is one of the stars of ‘Lazarus,’ which is the musical that David had worked on right before he died.”
Before heading in to the event, Swinton said performing for Bowie is, “a pleasure and an honor.”
Each year celebrities team up with a designer to walk the red carpet. Naomi Campbell was escorted by new designer and Swarovski Award for Womenswear nominee, Brandon Maxwell.
Campbell had nothing but praise for the young designer: “He knows what he wants and there is just no bullshit and I love those kind of people. He is evolving.”
Veteran designer Donna Karan will receive the Founders Award, a honor she called extradinary.
“You know, I’ve been there from the very, very beginning. Through Anne Klein, and it’s been 40, 50 years, so I can’t believe that. And I still feel like a child. So there’s a part of me that says I’m not ready for it yet.”
The night’s other nominees included Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for their brand The Row, Marc Jacobs and Rodarte.
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016
