CFDA Thoughts and Predictions

It's that time of year again. Yes, the Council of Fashion Designers of America will be presenting awards to a few lucky fashion professionals in categories ranging from accessories to womenswear. First, my predictions. Then, a bit of commentary, or analysis, if you will.

Womenswear Designer

Between Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander Wang, I'm going to call this one for Mr. Wang. Karan and Jacobs have already had their turns to bask in the glow of international design super-stardom. And, more importantly, Alexander Wang is Anna's Chosen One. I'd be surprised if he didn't win on that endorsement alone.

Menswear Designer

If Tom Ford claims this one, it will truly be a landmark year for him. Between directing an Oscar-nominated film and designing innovative, quality clothing, he has proven that he is more than just a drop-dead sexy designer. He is multi-faceted and talented in ways that he might not have even discovered yet. Before I call this one for Ford, though, we should also consider the stellar work that has been produced by Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag and Bone. This one is just too close to call.

Accessory Designer

I'm fairly certain that this one will go to Alexis Bittar.

Swarvorski Award for Womenswear

This is probably the toughest category to call. All three nominees are truly stellar in their respective houses. And, most importantly, all three (Joseph Altuzarra, Jason Wu, and Prabal Gurung) are favorites of Vogue. I'd really like to see Prabal Gurung win, though. India is shaping up to hold the future of fashion and their harbinger of stylish things to come might be starting with a win from Gurung.

Swarvoski Award for Menswear

I don't follow menswear with the same obsessive compulsion that I do womenswear, so I'm going to have to make a blind prediction. I'm predicting Richard Chai.

Certain CFDA "Lifetime Achievement" awards will also be handed out to Michael Kors, Christopher Bailey of Burberry, and Iman. From the journalistic side of the industry, Vogue's very own Tonne Goodman will be accepting the Eleanor Lambert Award. And, fittingly, a tribute will be given in honor of the lifetime achievements of the late, great Alexander McQueen. I am thrilled that his contributions to fashion are being recognized this year.

With so much to celebrate in fashion, I can't help but wonder if Tonne Goodman could crack a smile. Seriously. She works at Vogue. That alone would make me walk around with a foolish grin on my face day in and day out.

So, Tonne, could we pleeeease see a smile from you? Smile! You work at Vogue! Life is good!

(**This photo of Tonne Goodman is from Vogue's own website at www.vogue.com**)