CFDA Names Rachel Scott Womenswear Designer of Year
Scott, creative director of Proenza Schouler, and Ralph Lauren were honored at the CFDA awards held Monday night in New York.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Fashion
The Council of Fashion Designers of America presented its awards Monday night at the American Museum of Natural History, naming Rachel Scott American Womenswear Designer of the Year. Ralph Lauren received the American Menswear Designer of the Year honor, presented by Matt Damon.
Why it matters
The awards recognize designers working in American fashion at the national level, and this year's winners include a designer who blends Jamaican artisanal techniques with New York and European tailoring.
Scott won the CFDA top women's prize and the Emerging Designer award in 2024, and Ralph Lauren has now won the womenswear honor in both 1995 and last year. Ralph Lauren also won the menswear award in 1996 and 2007.
The players
Rachel Scott
Jamaican-born creative director of Proenza Schouler and founder of the Diotima label, known for combining artisanal techniques with tailoring.
Ralph Lauren
American designer and founder of the Ralph Lauren brand, a longtime leader in American fashion honored repeatedly by the CFDA.
Council of Fashion Designers of America
The New York-based trade organization that presents the annual CFDA Fashion Awards recognizing American designers.
The details
Lupita Nyong'o presented Scott her award, and Naomi Osaka and Joseph Altuzarra presented the accessories honor to Ana Khouri, who is Brazilian-born. Scott's Diotima collection draws on traditional Jamaican artisanal methods alongside New York and European tailoring.
Timeline
2024: Scott wins the CFDA womenswear and emerging designer awards.
1995: Ralph Lauren wins American Womenswear Designer of the Year.
1996: Ralph Lauren wins American Menswear Designer of the Year.
2007: Ralph Lauren wins American Menswear Designer of the Year again.
Monday, November 2, 2026: CFDA awards ceremony held at the American Museum of Natural History.
Industry Recognition
Ralph Lauren's CFDA wins in 1995, 1996, 2007 and last year show a brand that has repeatedly been honored across both menswear and womenswear. Scott's 2024 womenswear and emerging designer wins place a newer designer alongside that long-running record.
Readers following American fashion can track which designers gain national recognition through the CFDA. Those interested in brands like Proenza Schouler or Ralph Lauren can watch how these honors influence future collections and retail availability.
The takeaway
Recognition from the CFDA highlights designers who bring distinct cultural traditions into American fashion. Following these winners can offer a clearer view of where the national fashion scene is heading.
Further reading
Explore more fashion coverage to see how American designers are shaping the industry.
