Red Carpet Jewelry: CFDA Awards

I admit that I am a bit late posting about the CFDA.  But it’s been a long week, people!  2 benefits, work and family duties kept me a few days away from my bijoux and sartorial obligations.  I’ll get better about it.  I promise.

I was happy about the nominees and the winners of the CFDA awards this year.  They were truly representative of what it takes to succeed in this industry.

Fashionistas like Jessica Biel, The Olsen Twins and Anna Wintour came out in couture classics; Gwenyth Paltrow stole the show, channelling Grace Kelly glamour in a long, black paillette one shoulder Michael Kors gown and simple diamond Fred Leighton drops.

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Kors, with Gwyneth Paltrow, in a dress of his design and Fred Leighton jewelry.

Gwyneth Paltrow. I hear she just broke up with Madonna. I wonder why - both women seem so easy going.

Bee Shaffer, in Thakoon, with Vogue's Anna Wintour.

Jessica Biel in Diane von Furstenberg.

Ashley Olsen, in The Row and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, with Sasha Pivovarova and Mary-Kate Olsen, both in The Row.

Sarah Jessica Parker wore Alexander McQueen (one of my favorite designers). McQueen, who committed suicide earlier this year, had one last line in the works, including this dress SJP wore to the event. She wore Stephen Russell jewelry: stunning diamond cluster earrings and a series of statement bangles, one of her favorite looks of late.

Sarah Jessica Parker, in Alexander McQueen with Stephen Russell jewelry and a VBH bag.

The top honors went to Marc Jacobs for Womenswear Designer of the Year, presented by Jessica Biel. The award for Menswear Designer of the Year was presented by Anthony Mackie to Marcus Wainwright & David Neville for Rag & Bone. Alexis Bittar took home the Accessory Designer of the Year Award, presented by Dakota Fanning.

Dakota Fanning, all grown up and gorgeous, in Marchesa, with a Jennifer Behr headpiece and Brian Atwood shoes.

Iris Apfel, in Balenciaga and Alexis Bittar jewelry, with Accessory Designer of the Year Alexis Bittar.

Vogue's Tonne Goodman, Eleanor Lambert Award winner, in Michael Kors.

Ranjana and Naeem Khan

For the ninth year in a row, the evening was generously underwritten by Swarovski.  With the announcement of the 2010 Swarovski Award nominees in March, Swarovski approached each designer with an opportunity to create the ultimate Swarovski piece to celebrate the category for which they were nominated.  The designers went to work, utilizing Swarovski’s crystals, trims, and beads to evolve their ideas for what is now part of an exclusive compilation entitled: The CFDA Swarovski Award Collection. The collection will be sold with proceeds benefitting the CFDA’s educational initiatives. As each designer turned their sketch into a reality, Swarovski and film directors Josh Melnick and Xander Charity documented the process by creating a short film, BRILLIANT, which debuted during monday night’s ceremony.

Alexa Chung and Ed Westwick presented all three Swarovski Awards which honor and recognize emerging talent. The Swarovski Award for Womenswear was given to Jason Wu. The Swarovski Award for Menswear was presented to Richard Chai. The Swarovski Award for Accessory Design went to Alexander Wang. Recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from the company as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative crystal products and applications for fashion.

Alexa Chung: such a pretty girl, such an ugly dress. The bow looked like it had been made by a 5 year-old with a tube of glitter and too much imagination. Marc Jacobs and Swarovski jewelry.

Fabiola Beracasa. Threesfour and Fenton Jewelry. Nothing says "PARTY!" like a bathing suit topped off with the world's most glamorous cover-up.

Rachel Roy, in her own design and David Yurman jewelry, with Hilary Rhoda, in Rachel Roy and Fenton jewelry.

The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Michael Kors by Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue.

The late Alexander McQueen was honored with the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award by Sarah Jessica Parker for his indelible contribution to international fashion. A live presentation of his final sixteen looks were shown on models who appeared on a custom-built stage by Tony-Award winning set designer Scott Pask. This presentation was the first time the collection has been seen in its entirety since its original presentation in Paris in March 2010. The set featured the “Schonbek Olde World Chandelier”; a glass-arm chandelier with the most number of Swarovski crystal pendants in the world due to its special design and patented methods.

Brooke Shields, in J. Mendel.

Fashion Icon Award winner Iman, in Giambattista Valli and Fred Leighton jewelry, with David Bowie.

Jessica Stam, in Giambattista Valli and Roger Vivier shoes, with Dana Lorenz; both wear Fenton jewelry.

Joan Smalls, in Monique Péan jewelry, with Monique Péan.

Paper magazine's Kim Hastreiter, Eugenia Sheppard Award winner. What was she thinking when she got dressed? Anyone else feel this is a mockery of the awards?