Black Designers Took Home Many CFDA Awards, and I Was Rooting For Them All Along

Considering the industry’s slow progress on championing Black representation, last night’s ceremony offered a glimpse into a more inclusive future.

Black designers had a big night at this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards. They took home a range of prestigious awards, a testament to the breakthrough fashion moments they’ve orchestrated this year. From Telfar Clemens’s numerous successful collaborations (most recently with the sage bag that made its Insecure debut) to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s much talked about “Tax the Rich” dress designed by Aurora James, Black creatives were at the center of many of 2021’s biggest moments.

Last June, as demonstrations against police brutality swept over the world, the CFDA announced a series of initiatives designed to “place Black talent in all sectors of the fashion business and help achieve a racially balanced industry.” Considering the industry’s slow progress on championing Black representation, last night’s ceremony offered a glimpse into a more inclusive future. Ahead, discover the winners (including emerging labels and established forces), and join us in celebrating this momentous occasion.

Related: Law Roach Says Zendaya Had “Big Shoes to Fill” at the CFDAs, So That Explains the Epic Skirt

Getty/Jamie McCarthy / Dimitrios Kambouris

American Emerging Designer of the Year: Edvin Thompson for Theophilio

Getty/Jamie McCarthy / @iamlexlamb

Edvin Thompson Celebrating His CFDA Award Win at Bar Chrystie in New York City

Getty/Jamie McCarthy / Taylor Hill

American Womenswear Designer of the Year: Christopher John Rogers for Christopher John Rogers

Getty/Jamie McCarthy / Mireya Acierto

American Accessories Designer of the Year: Telfar Clemens for Telfar

Getty/Darren Gerrish

International Men's Designer of the Year: Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner

Getty/Jamie McCarthy

Founder's Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert: Aurora James for the 15 Percent Pledge

Getty/Taylor Hill

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Dapper Dan

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