New York’s American Museum of Natural History took on a glamorous new look as fashion’s biggest names gathered for the CFDA Awards.
The annual ceremony celebrates the designers shaping American style, but some of the evening’s red-carpet looks sparked more debate than admiration. Lola Tung’s Coach gown and Carrie Coon’s strapless blue dress were among the outfits that failed to win over fashion watchers.
Others, including Pamela Anderson and Lila Moss, delivered polished appearances at the latest edition of the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, which recognize the industry’s leading creative talent.
The event features four major competitive categories honoring menswear, womenswear, accessories and emerging designers.
Hailey Bieber attended in support of Yves Saint Laurent, joining creative director Anthony Vaccarello on the New York red carpet.
Her embellished gold gown, complete with a thigh-high front slit and fur trim, drew criticism online, with some Reddit users describing the detail as “atrocious.”
Hailey Bieber attended the New York ceremony in support of Yves Saint Laurent, walking the red carpet beside designer Anthony Vaccarello
Demi Moore, 63, looked effortlessly chic in a distinctive GapStudio halter-neck denim dress by Zac Posen, featuring a corset-inspired bodice and buttons running down the front
Esther McGregor, daughter of Ewan McGregor, chose one of the evening’s most unconventional ensembles
Megan Thee Stallion brought a daring edge to the red carpet in her burgundy Kim Shui gown
Carrie Coon’s strapless blue look also received a lukewarm response. The 45-year-old Gilded Age actress wore a short dress layered beneath a sheer overlay and finished with a long train, creating what some viewers considered a dated interpretation of red-carpet glamour.
She completed the monochromatic outfit with matching suede heels, though the overall effect failed to make a strong impression.
Lola Tung, who is often praised for her fashion-forward style, opted for a notably restrained appearance at this year’s CFDA Awards.
The Coach global ambassador wore a custom design by Stuart Vevers, but fans felt the floor-length black leather gown looked dull and lacked impact.
Meadow Walker, the 27-year-old daughter of the late actor Paul Walker, was also among the high-profile guests at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards.
Her textured yellow suit, made up of a blazer and ankle-length skirt, was certainly eye-catching, although one Instagram commenter criticized the fabric as looking “cheap.”
Lili Reinhart’s shimmering asymmetric Monse dress prompted comparisons to a Strictly Come Dancing costume rather than a sophisticated awards-season look.
The design combined a strapless neckline and nude-toned bodice with a metallic silver fringe hem, which some viewers likened to “dollar store” party decorations.
Carrie, 45, appeared on the red carpet in a mini-dress beneath a sheer overlay and long train, offering a retro take on evening glamour
Known for her high-fashion choices, Summer I Turned Pretty star Lola Tung opted for a more understated CFDA Awards look
Lili Reinhart wore a glittering, asymmetric Monse dress that brought a touch of dance-floor drama to the CFDA red carpet
Julia Fox embraced an unconventional fashion statement in a white tulle creation by nominee Miss Claire Sullivan, decorated with New York City subway maps as a tribute to the host city
Brooks Nader made a bold entrance in a hooded black-and-white mesh gown that revealed her undergarments
The lavish silk maxi dress featured long sleeves, a softly draped high neckline and macramé fringe cascading from the shoulders to the hem, a detail that divided opinion
Indya Moore’s fluffy yellow Diotima dress included contrasting elements such as silver hardware, a khaki mesh waist panel and an unusual shoulder strap
One Reddit user summed up the mixed reaction by writing: “I cannot decide how I feel about this. I kind of like the concept, but the colours are discordant and the silver fringe reminds me of cheap tinsel garland.”
Julia Fox, meanwhile, fully embraced the spirit of experimental dressing in a striking creation by nominee Miss Claire Sullivan. Made from white tulle and New York subway maps, the dress paid tribute to the city hosting the ceremony.
Fans said they “couldn’t stop staring” at the outfit, which Fox paired with a tiny tiara and blue open-toe sandals.
“She will always be the weird fashion girl and thank god for that,” one Reddit commenter wrote.
Singer Chloe Bailey was less successful in winning over online fashion critics with her sheer Christian Siriano gown.
Her undergarments were clearly visible through the transparent fabric, while feather and fur accents at the sleeves, neckline and hem were seen by some as unnecessary additions to an already busy design.
“There was really no need for this to be sheer to begin with,” another Reddit user commented.
Brooks Nader also opted for a provocative look. The Baywatch actress, known for taking risks on the red carpet, wore a hooded black-and-white mesh gown that left her undergarments on display.
Chloe Bailey stepped onto the red carpet in a transparent Christian Siriano gown that received a mixed response from fans
Host Keke Palmer created a “little vintage moment” in a Bob Mackie gown originally worn by Raquel Welch more than five decades ago
FIND OUT MORE: Upstate Teen Convicted of Strangling 14-Year-Old Girlfriend in Pregnancy Scare
Meadow Walker, the 27-year-old daughter of the late Hollywood star Paul Walker, attended the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards
Sydney Lemmon, granddaughter of Hollywood legend Jack Lemmon, wore sparkling red knickers over a dramatic black blazer by Emily Dawn Long
Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn also joined the guest list, choosing a Gabriela Hearst design for the fashion industry celebration.
Her luxurious silk maxi dress featured elongated sleeves, a softly gathered high neckline and a sweeping line of macramé fringe extending from the shoulder to the hem. The unusual finish divided fashion fans.
Esther McGregor, Ewan McGregor’s daughter, made one of the night’s boldest style statements.
Her Thom Browne outfit reimagined traditional menswear, combining a sleeveless white collared shirt, striped tie and tailored vest with an oversized white skirt decorated with black geometric details.
She was not the only famous offspring to attract attention. Sydney Lemmon, granddaughter of screen icon Jack Lemmon, paired glittering red knickers with a commanding black blazer from Emily Dawn Long.
Indya Moore’s voluminous yellow dress from New York label Diotima also struggled to win over critics. Its silver hardware, khaki mesh waist panel and contrasting shoulder detail created a look some considered overly complicated.
Allison Janney stood out in towering pink stilettos and a vivid sculptural gown by Christian Siriano.
The dress featured dramatically oversized sleeves, prompting sharply divided reactions online. Some called the design “fierce,” while others admitted they “hated” the exaggerated silhouette.
Vera Wang, 77, showed off her slender figure in an edgy black two-piece ensemble
Allison Janney towered above the crowd in sky-high pink stilettos and a bright sculptural Christian Siriano gown
Vera Wang also prompted a lively response with an avant-garde outfit featuring a black bandeau top, a sweeping maxi skirt and a leather trench coat draped over her shoulders.
The 77-year-old designer added a striking gold bubble ring and wore her brunette hair in two pigtails, a styling choice some felt clashed with the rest of the look.
Megan Thee Stallion brought a dramatic flourish to the evening in a burgundy gown by Kim Shui.
Ceremony host Keke Palmer paid tribute to vintage glamour in a Bob Mackie gown that Raquel Welch first wore more than 50 years ago.
Speaking to People, the 33-year-old actress explained that Welch wore the dress while performing with Cher on The Cher Show in 1975.
The embellished gold halter gown featured a high front slit and intricate waist cutouts that highlighted Palmer’s figure. Fans declared the vintage piece “perfect on” her.
Demi Moore, 63, delivered a sleek appearance in a distinctive GapStudio halter-neck denim dress designed by Zac Posen, complete with a structured corset-style bodice and a neat row of front buttons.
Zoe Kravitz shimmered in gold at the star-studded event, wearing a custom Yves Saint Laurent tea dress
Naomi Osaka brought sophisticated red-carpet glamour to the CFDA Awards guest list
Pamela Anderson channelled Old Hollywood elegance in a black Carolina Herrera halter-neck dress
Lila Moss showcased her red-carpet style in a strapless black column gown by Juju Vera Studio
She completed the outfit with nude heels, while her glossy dark hair fell over her shoulders in soft, loose curls.
Odyssey actress Lupita Nyong’o, 43, revealed her toned midriff in a red crop top worn with a coordinating skirt.
Rose Byrne also earned praise for her black-and-white polka-dot Carolina Herrera gown on the red carpet.
The 47-year-old Neighbours star styled the strapless, figure-hugging design with black pumps, statement earrings and a matching black clutch.
Zoe Kravitz shimmered in gold at the star-studded event, arriving in a custom Yves Saint Laurent tea dress.
The crinkled fabric featured structured details that followed her silhouette and emphasized her curves. She added pointed open-back heels with metallic gold accents to complement the dress.
Naomi Osaka traded her usual tennis attire for a dramatic one-shoulder gown by couturier Miss Claire Sullivan.
The voluminous polka-dot design was shaped with a ruched waist and finished with a black bow, while Osaka accessorized with diamond jewelry.
Pamela Anderson embraced classic Hollywood glamour in a black halter-neck gown by Carolina Herrera. She matched her shoes to the feather-trimmed neckline and carried a satin polka-dot purse for a playful contrast.
The 59-year-old Baywatch star, who often appears without makeup, added pink lipstick and black mascara for the occasion. Her platinum-blonde bixie haircut was styled into voluminous curls reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe.
Lila Moss, daughter of Kate Moss, reaffirmed her red-carpet credentials in a strapless black column gown from Juju Vera Studio.
She gave the streamlined dress extra character with a fringed black-and-white wrap and a delicate silver headpiece.
