The CFDA Board of Directors gathered the 2026 Fashion Award nominees for a celebratory dinner on Thursday evening at Café Zaffri at The Twenty Two New York, Vogue reported. Michael Kors, once again a contender for American womenswear designer of the year, addressed the room before the meal.
Kors on Individuality and Community
According to Vogue, Kors told guests that American fashion is distinguished by its range of voices, viewpoints and ideas. He also reflected on his own start, describing Lothar's, where he began his career, as more than a store: a meeting place for fashion, creativity and personalities.
Kors said he joined the CFDA in 1985, that the first CFDA Awards he attended honored Katharine Hepburn, and that he learned from figures such as Dawn Mello of Bergdorf Goodman, who understood the importance of nurturing new talent. His closing message was one of solidarity. "At our best, we support one another, we respect the incredible work of our peers, and we show up for each other," he said, per Vogue.
Who Was in the Room
Kors was joined by fellow womenswear nominees Rachel Scott and Wes Gordon. Menswear designer of the year nominees Willy Chavarria, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne of Public School New York were also present.
Emerging talent had a visible presence. Colleen Allen wore one of her own designs, as did Zane Li, Julia Ferentinos and Emily Dawn Long, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists recognized in the Google emerging designer of the year category. Jewelry designer Ana Khouri attended as well.
Over a crudo and endive salad, Vera Wang chatted with Lance LePere. Linda Fargo, this year's Founder's Award recipient, posed for a photo with Chavarria, while Joseph Altuzzara spoke with former CFDA president Stan Herman near the burl leather bar.
What Comes Next
Vogue described the evening as a warm-up for the industry's major night out on November 2, when the Fashion Awards will be presented. The dinner's tone, built on mentorship and mutual support, offered a preview of the themes the CFDA appears eager to emphasize.
Reporting sources: Vogue, “Cheers to the Nominees! The CFDA Board of Directors Toasted to the 2026 Fashion Award Contenders”.