The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), hosted by comedian Tracey Ullman, paid tribute to the winners and honourees of the CFDA 2009 Fashion Awards. The ceremony was held at New York’s Lincoln Center.

A sparkling highlight: CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg honoured style icon, role model for many and the First Lady, Michelle Obama, with the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award for her support and commitment to American designers.

Swarovski takes centre stage

Some 36 models emerged onstage in front of a dramatic Swarovski beaded curtain constructed with about 30,000 Jet crystals custom-designed by well-known designer Scott Pask. Followed by a spectacular show, Ann Sui was presented the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award,

The Swarovski Awards and winners

For eight years now, Swarovski has been sponsoring three main awards. This year, actress Blake Lively presented the three Swarovski Awards: Alexander Wang won the Swarovski Award for Womenswear. Tim Hamilton was presented the Swarovski Award for Menswear and Justin Giunta received the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design for Subversive Jewellery.

Winners from each category received generous financial support from the company and exposure to its innovative CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements.

Words of encouragement

Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications, Swarovski said, “Swarovski is honoured to have been a part of such an incredible evening. We send our most sincere congratulations to all the honorees and winners. In keeping with Swarovski’s commitment to fostering fashion’s brightest emerging stars, we are especially thrilled to work with this year’s Swarovski Award winners.”