Every year, the CFDA Awards are widely anticipated by fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals. A-list celebrities, models, and top designers gather to celebrate fashion industry innovation and achievements, but I’m most looking forward to the array of bold and avant-garde looks that transform the typically traditional red carpet into an exciting and imaginative playground.
Blake Lively, Paris Hilton, Katie Holmes, Ciara, Winnie Harlow, and Tyla are among the best-dressed celebrities at the 2024 CFDA Awards (Credit: Janet Mayer / BauerGriffin / Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
The CFDA Awards returned to the American Museum of Natural History this year, with Cynthia Erivo hosting the festivities. Erykah Badu received this year’s Fashion Icon Award, Michael Kors took home the Positive Change Award, Stuart Vevers of Coach was honored with the Innovation Award, and Henry Zankov was named Emerging Designer of the Year.
For the second consecutive year, Willy Chavarria was honored with the Menswear Designer of the Year award and Rachel Scott was presented with the American Womenswear Designer of the Year award.
Stars like Blake Lively, Paris Hilton, Katie Holmes, and more proudly wore eye-catching pieces designed by some of the evening’s awardees, including Marc Jacobs, Thom Browne, and Proenza Schouler, showing their support for their favorite designers.
1. Blake Lively Dazzles in All-White Michael Kors Ensemble and Sparkling Louboutin Heels
After 14 years of absence, Blake Lively made a stylish comeback to the event, representing Michael Kors in head-to-toe white with glimmering Lorraine Schwartz diamonds and Christian Louboutin heels.
As expected from the fashion icon, she led the style pack in a white ensemble that accentuated every inch of her figure. Lively’s ability to maintain her body after having four kids amazes me!
The bombshell beauty tucked a form-fitting white ribbed bodysuit into a white sequined skirt with an asymmetric wrap design and a risque thigh-high slit on one side.
Though I know she can easily pull off such a daring ensemble, Lively draped a crisp white blazer over her shoulders to give off a modest and sophisticated vibe.
Blake Lively leads the style pack in a white Michael Kors bodysuit with a wrap skirt and a blazer (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
As I always say, an all-white ensemble is the perfect blank canvas for accessorizing. And Blake seems to agree, as she was dripping in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds, making her gleam from all angles.
The plunging scoop neck of her bodysuit allows a sparkling 45-carat marquise-cut diamond pendant necklace to hang elegantly on her chest. She also accessorized her fingers and wrist with 30-carat delicate colorless diamond rings and a 35-carat double-row diamond bracelet.
Her bouncy Old Hollywood curls showed off a set of 10-carat pear-shaped diamond stud earrings!
I assumed Lively would wear the white ensemble with white sandals, but instead, she paired it with her go-to Christian Louboutin Follies Strass heels, which are among Louboutin’s most famous bridal shoes. Jennifer Lopez, Florence Pugh, and Julianne Hough are also fans of the Follies Strass pumps.
Crafted from nude mesh, they are adorned with shimmering strass crystals from the sides to the tip of the toes and have glitters covering the 4.25-inch stiletto heels.
Blake Lively teams her white ensemble with nude mesh Christian Louboutin Follies Strass pumps (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
2. Paris Hilton Embraces Romance in Red Oscar de la Renta Minidress and Shimmering Louboutin Pumps
Paris Hilton attended the event to present the Accessory Designer of the Year award to Raul Lopez of Luar. For the occasion, she embraced her signature flirty and feminine style, wearing a red floral minidress that further highlighted her penchant for textures.
Paris’ outfit is made of see-through nude mesh embellished with multi-sized 3D rosettes that give the dress a textured appearance. I adore how the different sizes were carefully arranged to cover her modesty.
Additionally, the rose-shaped sleeves look stunning and add to the romantic feel of the ensemble. Each rosette has beads sewn onto it, adding to the dress’s glitter.
The dress hails from the Spring 2025 collection of her wedding dress designer, Oscar de la Renta, inspired by the timeless beauty of the rose.
Paris Hilton gets flirty in a romantic mini dress with 3D beaded flowers by Oscar de la Renta (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Although Paris is a maximalist dresser at heart, she chose to forgo ornate jewelry for the occasion, allowing her ensemble to speak for itself. And I must say, I love it!
She only wore a pair of ruby stud earrings and adorned her French manicured hands with her Jean Dousset 20-carat three-stone, emerald-cut engagement ring with baguette-cut and trapezoid accent diamonds.
Much to my surprise, Paris didn’t wear gloves! Fans know she has been wearing fingerless gloves for years for unknown reasons, but she chose to show her hands at the CFDA!
Paris carried a $2,495 Judith Leiber Slim Slide Ruby clutch in keeping with her ensemble’s monochromatic red motif. It’s encrusted with rich ruby crystals, creating a bold yet refined statement.
Paris finished off her red-hot ensemble with a pair of Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps. I love how they gave the look a metallic sheen with their shiny red patent leather material. These celebrity-favorite pumps have 4-inch stiletto heels, further boosting Paris’ 5’8” height.
Paris Hilton completes a monochromatic red look with metallic red Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
3. Katie Holmes Reimagines 90s Style in Carolina Herrera Color-Blocked Dress and Gianvito Rossi Pumps
Katie Holmes revived a style from the 1990s that I find difficult to wear. Demonstrating she can pull off any style, she opted to color block, wearing pink and red—two striking hues that are tricky to combine.
Her dress, custom-designed by Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera, is made of crepe. It has a bubblegum pink bodice and a bright red bottom, creating a cohesive look.
I find it visually appealing. Its cutaway sides reveal a seductive open back accented with long black ribbons, which add a wonderful contrast to the eye-catching, vibrant look. The long sleeves, high collar, and floor-skimming, structured skirt provide a high-fashion finish while counterbalancing the bold cuts.
I’m always amazed when Katie wears something bold and revealing because she doesn’t do it often. I must say, she looks amazing in this style, which is refreshing and showcases a new side of her flair.
Katie Holmes brings back color blocking in a pink and red dress with cutout sides, an open back, and a black bow accent by Carolina Herrera (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Accessories-wise, Katie didn’t disappoint. She wore a selection of pink gemstone jewelry from Irene Neuwirth’s One of a Kind collection to match her ensemble.
Her hair was styled in a bun, showcasing her Gemmy Gem Drop Link earrings. Her hands were adorned with the matching Gemmy Gem Stone ring and the Tropical Flower ring in 18k rose gold.
Carrying a sleek black Carolina Herrera Postcard clutch, Katie completed her look with the red Gianvito Rossi “Ascent” pumps.
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They’re cut from buttery-smooth red calf leather and sculpted to a contemporary pointed-toe silhouette with slingback straps fastened to the foot with a gold-tone buckle. With their 3.14-inch sculpted heels, these shoes gave Holmes’ 5’9” height an extra inch. You can find them at Farfetch, retailing for $950.
Katie Holmes completes her color-blocked look with red Gianvito Rossi slingback pumps (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
4. Ciara Brings Edgy Sophistication in Vera Wang Ensemble and Bold Bebe Platform Boots
Ciara has a talent for looking cool and carefree wherever she goes. She always looks stylish and put together, whether wearing a gown or something more laid back.
At the CFDA, representing American fashion designer Vera Wang, Ciara decided to bring her signature cool style in a black and white ensemble that featured a fitted white ribbed tank top and a black Italian wool skirt from the label’s Spring 2024 Couture collection.
I particularly like how the gauntlet pegged skirt resembled pants with a zip fly and a waistband before transforming into a column skirt with a daring thigh-high center slit.
To give the edgy look a high-fashion finish, Ciara wore white French leather opera gloves and fashioned her tresses in a chic high bun.
The look reflects Vera Wang’s aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and classic silhouettes. She frequently uses unusual materials to give her designs a modern and fashionable edge.
Ciara brings her signature edge to the CFDA Awards with a white ribbed tank top, a black gauntlet pegged skirt, and white opera gloves (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Enhancing the ensemble’s cool edge, Ciara slipped into a pair of platform boots from her 156-piece capsule collection for Bebe.
She donned the “Sienna” boots, named after her eldest daughter. Created with Ciara’s bold and daring personality in mind, these boots have pointed toes and unique cut-out block heels about 6 inches high.
They are cut from faux leather and are finished with gold zips down the back.
Stylist Marni Senofonte curated the look for Ciara. They decided to forgo the jewelry to keep things understated yet sophisticated and edgy.
At one point outside the American Museum of Natural History, Ciara was spotted covering her eyes with oversized square-shaped Vera Wang sunglasses, further highlighting her cool style.
Ciara enhances the look’s edge with Bebe Sienna platform boots featuring pointed toes, thick platforms, and high block heels (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
5. Winnie Harlow Channels Futuristic Princess in Metallic Kate Barton Gown and Sky-High Pantaboots
Winnie Harlow channeled her inner Disney princess in a dramatic blue gown, opting for a creation designed by 2024 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Kate Barton.
The metallic blue gown embodies Barton’s unique avant-garde aesthetic and features the Kansas City-born designer’s signature chrome reflective corset-style bodice. I love the futuristic vibe it brings to the ladylike princessy design.
It’s held in place by zip-like shoulder straps and is completed with a full, flowy skirt that falls fluidly from the waist to the floor.
Winnie Harlow channels modern Cinderella in a metallic Kate Barton gown with chrome reflective corset-style bodice (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
The majestic gown has a waist-high slit, allowing Harlow to showcase her light blue pantaboots that go all the way to her waist.
The shoes don’t particularly appeal to me; glass pumps, similar to Cinderella’s glass slippers, would have looked better, especially when paired with her Josh Raiffe-designed clear glass bag. Nevertheless, those light blue pantaboots added to the ensemble’s futuristic vibe.
Though I don’t think jewelry is needed for this incredibly gorgeous dress, Harlow added some Disney princess-appropriate accessories, including a two-layer diamond necklace, earrings, and striking diamond rings by Anita Ko.
Winnie Harlow teams her flowing blue gown with light blue pantaboots (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
6. Tyla Delivers Boho Chic in Archival Gucci Lace Dress Paired With Paris Texas Strappy Sandals
Tyla often fuses bohemian and contemporary elements. For her debut appearance at the CFDA, she embraced her style by wearing an archival black lace Gucci dress that screams boho with brat-green hotpants.
Curated by her stylist Ronnie Hart, Tyla looked sensational in the sheer black lace minidress, showcasing her slender physique. This lace dress, taken from the Italian fashion house’s Spring/Summer 1996 ready-to-wear collection, suits Tyla’s contours like a glove.
The romantic floral lace mini dress features a thigh-grazing scalloped hem and a daring neckline that plunges to her navel. A single fastener keeps the garment in place. Underneath, Tyla donned bright green hotpants, summer’s official color, to preserve her modesty.
Tyla opts for a sultry Gucci 1996 floral lace dress with a navel-deep plunging neckline and green hotpants (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
In keeping with the ensemble’s vintage vibe, Tyla accessorized with silver hoop earrings, a long necklace with a hoop pendant, and a few rings from Tiffany & Co.
She also chose a ’70s glam look, with turquoise eyeshadow and a sloppy, curled updo for her hair.
Completing her sultry bohemian ensemble was a pair of strappy sandals from Paris Texas. She wore the “Liz” sandals, made in Italy from black satin. They have wraparound ankle straps with crystal buckle closure, crisscross front straps, and 4-inch stiletto heels. These are available for $406 at Luisaviaroma.
Tyla teams her black floral lace dress with Paris Texas Liz strappy sandals (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)