Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne Lead Winners at 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards

The 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards celebrated American fashion excellence at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, with Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne taking home the top honors for womenswear and menswear, respectively.

The glittering world of fashion gathered at the American Museum of Natural History on Monday night for the prestigious CFDA Fashion Awards 2025, where legendary designer Ralph Lauren was named American Womenswear Designer of the Year, and Thom Browne earned the title of American Menswear Designer of the Year.

The event, hosted by actress Teyana Taylor, recognized the best in design and creativity across categories. Lauren triumphed over nominees Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera, Rachel Scott for Diotima, Daniella Kallmeyer for Kallmeyer, and Tory Burch. This marks Lauren’s second CFDA Womenswear win, his first dating back to 1995. His award was presented by actress Naomi Watts, who also attended his spring 2026 show that embraced “modern sensuality” and understated elegance.

In the menswear category, Thom Browne, who also serves as CFDA chairman, bested Mike Amiri, Eckhaus Latta, The Row, and Willy Chavarria. Presented his award by Mark Ronson and Public School designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, Browne’s recent Paris show impressed audiences with its extraterrestrial theme and intricate craftsmanship. This win marks his fourth CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award, following victories in 2006, 2013, and 2016.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen continued their dominance in accessories, winning the American Accessory Designer of the Year Award for The Row, ahead of Ana Khouri, Catherine Holstein, Raul Lopez, and Tory Burch. Presented by Benito Skinner and Jennifer Fisher, the Olsens’ minimalist, vintage-inspired designs and structured canvas bags once again set the tone for sophisticated understatement.

Emerging talent Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn claimed the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year Award, recognized for her sustainable tailoring and precision-focused approach. The award was presented by Addison Rae and Christopher John Rogers.

Several special honors punctuated the night:

Andre Walker received the Isabel Toledo Board of Directors’ Award, presented by Nicole Phelps.

Cynthia Rowley was given the Founder’s Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert, presented by Julianne Moore.

Ralph Rucci was honored with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sara Moonves, editor-in-chief of W, received the Media Award, presented by Jennifer Lawrence.

A$AP Rocky was named Fashion Icon, receiving his award from Anna Wintour.

Donatella Versace earned the Positive Change Award, presented by Ariana DeBose and Amber Valletta.

Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God received the Innovation Award from Ava DuVernay.

Pieter Mulier of Alaïa was recognized as International Designer of the Year, presented by Naomi Campbell.

The ceremony, sponsored by Amazon Fashion, Google Shopping, MAC Cosmetics, Krug, and Lincoln, once again proved to be a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural influence — honoring both legends and rising stars who continue to redefine fashion’s future.