As a result of the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 CFDA Fashion Awards was put on hold. Set to take place today, this year’s celebration would’ve included the usual mix of fashion-minded folk. And they would’ve all been decked out in designer goods designed to make a statement.
Often taking a back seat to “bigger” fashion events like the Met Gala and the Oscars, the CFDA Fashion Awards is responsible for some of the industry’s most memorable red carpet moments. Who can forget Rihanna’s sparkly and sheer Adam Selman outfit? Gigi Hadid’s vivid Versace getup years later was also a standout. Then there was Ashley Olsen’s surprisingly colorful dress from the 2009 season. Basically, the awards show is always worth checking out.
Sadly, most of us weren’t privy to its early years since it wasn’t really heralded as something to watch until recently. So many missed out on some truly epic looks courtesy of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Hurley, Renée Zellweger and others. But we’re about to rectify that.
In an effort to give it the respect it deserves, we’re looking back at the best looks from the CFDA Fashion Awards. Whether you enjoy 80s excess, 90s glamour or sleek styles from the early 2000s, you’ll find something to fawn over.
Best CFDA Fashion Awards Looks of All Time
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Audrey Hepburn, 1989
Audrey Hepburn’s feathered frock would still turn heads today.
Image: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
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Elizabeth Hurley, 1999
This flashy purple dress is peak late 90s/early 2000s.
Image: Ke.Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
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Renée Zellweger, 2003
Renée Zellweger’s pale dress was amped up by slightly paler opera gloves.
Image: Evan Agostini/Getty Images
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Selma Blair, 2004
Selma Blair rocked a vibrant tricolor dress to the awards.
Image: Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Claire Danes, 2009
Claire Danes certainly stood out in this embellished black dress.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
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Ashley Olsen, 2009
Remember when the Olsen twins didn’t always wear black? Ashley Olsen’s red-orange dress with side embellishments was an absolute stunner.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
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Leelee Sobieski, 2011
A red carpet-worthy take on the white suit. We love how the white button-down is a tad brighter than the eggshell blazer and pants.
Image: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
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Mandy Moore, 2012
The heavily embellished shoulders on this Grecian-style gown made it memorable. Mandy Moore’s pink lip helped, too.
Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images
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Hilary Rhoda, 2012
It was a striking colorblocked Rebecca Minkoff dress with strategic cut-outs for Hilary Rhoda.
Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images
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Devon Aoki, 2012
Even eight years later, we still remember Devon Aoki’s red ruffled dress.
Image: Randy Brooke/WireImage/Getty Images
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Kerry Washington, 2013
Kerry Washington brightened up the 2013 awards in a Jason Wu duchess satin gown with ruffle accent.
Image: Randy Brooke/Getty Images
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Rihanna, 2014
Rihanna’s custom Adam Selman outfit featuring over 216,000 Swarovski crystals earned legendary status.
Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Coco Rocha, 2014
Coco Rocha also made an impression that year decked out in a Christian Siriano black and white gown boasting a patterned embellished skirt. The black hat courtesy of Heather Huey made the look.
Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Jemima Kirke, 2015
The sculpted hem on Jemima Kirke’s red Rosie Assoulin crop top matched the hem on the coordinating maxi skirt.
Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
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Beyoncé, 2016
Beyoncé wore a sparkling Givenchy striped suit, a lacy black blouse and a wide-brimmed hat to collect her Fashion Icon statue.
Image: Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images
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Kirsten Dunst, 2016
Of course Kirsten Dunst wore Rodarte, but the elaborate beading and semi-sheer skirt set it apart. As did that colorful orchid earring.
Image: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
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Hari Nef, 2016
Hari Nef pulled off this fierce gown with great aplomb.
Image: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Bella Hadid, 2017
Somehow Bella Hadid made this hot pink Off-White blazer dress seem innovative.
Image: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Janelle Monáe, 2017
Janelle Monáe kept things pretty black and white in this Christian Siriano ensemble. Karen Walker eyewear and a red hot lip pulled it all together.
Image: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Diane Kruger, 2017
The dripping golden embellishment on Diane Kruger’s Monse strapless blue gown was truly mesmerizing.
Image: Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
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Chloë Sevigny, 2017
Constructed of a white collared bodice panel layered over a laser-cut black design over a white dress, Chloë Sevigny’s Proenza Schouler look was all about texture. The complementary cuff put it over the edge.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
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Gigi Hadid, 2018
Gigi Hadid got graphic in Versace with red Stuart Weitzman pumps and a red lip playing strong supporting roles.
Image: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
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Lupita Nyong'o, 2018
The Atelier Versace neckpiece was the perfect partner to the Oscar winner’s Atelier Versace minidress with structured skirt.
Image: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
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Martha Hunt, 2018
Martha Hunt polished off her deconstructed Thom Browne gown with diamanté-rimmed eyes.
Image: Michael Stewart/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Lily Nova, 2019
It was obvious which brand made Lily Nova’s dynamic dress. The logo-clad piece was styled with statement hair accessories and earrings.
Image: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
