Erykah Badu was recognized as the fashion icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America at the CFDA Fashion Awards held in Manhattan. Badu, known for her unique style, accepted the award wearing a headdress of jewels and a Thom Browne jacket. Playfully expressing her delight, Badu mentioned that winning the icon award had been a lifelong aspiration since she was a child.
Andre 3000, who introduced Badu at the event, added a touch of humor by bringing an orange caution cone on stage. Badu, a Grammy Award winner, has been celebrated for her Afro-centric fashion sense, which includes tall hats, headwraps, oversized jewelry, and patchwork fabrics.
The CFDA Fashion Awards ceremony attracted a host of celebrities and industry insiders, with Cynthia Erivo hosting the evening in a Zac Posen gown. The event also saw Rachel Scott of Diotima receiving the women's designer of the year award, while Willy Chavarria was honored as the menswear designer of the year.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and CFDA chairman Thom Browne emphasized the importance of voting and democracy during the event. The night also featured awards for emerging designers, with Henry Zankov winning the emerging designer of the year award for his colorful knitwear.
Other notable recognitions included Raul Lopez of Laur receiving the accessory designer of the year award and Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli being honored as the international designer of the year. The event also acknowledged industry veterans like Stephen Burrows, who received the lifetime achievement award.
With this latest accolade, Erykah Badu joins the esteemed list of previous fashion icon awardees, including Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and Zendaya.
