The Council of Fashion Designers of America is hosting their 2019 CFDA Awards this Monday, June 3rd at the Brooklyn Museum, which celebrates a number of American designers and individuals in the fashion industry who have been killing it this past year. Annually, the CFDA honors the best women’s wear, men’s wear and accessories as well as well emerging designers. With new chairman Tom Ford at the helm and Jennifer Lopez being awarded Fashion Icon of the Year, this is one of fashion’s biggest nights (we’re still not over Rihanna wearing that see-through swarovski crystal number). In the words of last year’s host, Issa Rae, “we’re rooting for everybody Black,” so ahead of the fashion showdown this Monday, check out the Black designers nominated for this years CFDA awards.
Virgil Abloh- Menswear Designer of the Year
Virgil Abloh being named Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Menswear was a moment for the culture to say the least but his own brand Off-White continues to make simplicity seem abstract. His capsule collections and partnerships–including a recent French Open collab with Serena Williams–continue to inspire.
Kerby Jean Raymond – Menswear Designer of the Year
Fresh off being the big winner of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and making his Met Gala debut alongside Lena Waithe, Kerby Jean Raymond from Pyer Moss is starting to become everyone’s favorite brand. With unique messages intertwined with activism printed in his clothing, the seasonal and sporadic drops keeps people on their toes.
Telfar Clemens – Accessory Designer of the Year
If it’s not obvious why Telfar Clemens is nominated for best accessories designer it’s because of his namesake Shopping Bag. Winner of the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Clemens created a universal and inclusive product that men and women can’t get enough of.
Heron Preston- Emerging Designer of the Year:
Although Heron Preston is being nominated as an “emerging designer,” he has been popular in the underground and streetwear scene since 2003. From launching with screen printed t-shirts to being a creative director for Kanye West, Preston made a name for himself in the fashion industry early on.