The American Museum of Natural History in New York was the scene for the 2026 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, where celebrities gathered to celebrate fashion design. The event, which honors top designers across several categories including menswear, womenswear, accessories, and emerging talent, saw attendees present a spectrum of sartorial choices.
While some stars were praised for their fashion-forward ensembles, others faced criticism from onlookers and online commentators. Among the notable looks was Hailey Bieber in an Yves Saint Laurent design, whose fur-trimmed gold dress drew sharp remarks from some Reddit users who labeled the detail "atrocious." In contrast, Demi Moore, 63, garnered praise for her unique GapStudio denim halter-neck dress by Zac Posen, featuring a structured bodice and a button-down front.
Actress Carrie Coon's strapless blue mini-dress with a sheer overlay and train was described as a "dated take on red carpet glam." Similarly, Lola Tung's custom black leather gown for Coach was deemed "drab and underwhelming" by fans. Meadow Walker, daughter of the late Paul Walker, wore a textured yellow suit that some Instagram users felt looked "cheap."
Lili Reinhart's shimmering, asymmetric Monse dress drew comparisons to "dollar store" party decorations, while Indya Moore's yellow dress from Diotima was noted for its "disparate details" and "discordant colors."
Julia Fox presented a bold statement in a creation by Miss Claire Sullivan fashioned from white tulle and New York City subway maps, a tribute to the host city. This unique gown earned a "couldn't stop staring" reaction from fans, with one Reddit user calling her the "weird fashion girl."
Chloe Bailey wore a sheer Christian Siriano gown, which some viewers felt was unnecessary and complicated by feather and fur details on the sleeves, neck, and hemline. Brooks Nader sported a daring hooded black and white mesh gown that revealed her undergarments.
Keke Palmer, hosting the ceremony, donned a vintage Bob Mackie gown originally worn by Raquel Welch over 50 years ago. "The embellished gold halter-neck gown featured a high front slit and a web of waist cutouts that showed off her enviable figure," according to fans.
Lindsey Vonn wore a Gabriela Hearst silk maxi dress with a high neckline and cascading macrame fringe, a design that met with mixed reactions. Esther McGregor's Thom Browne ensemble, an unconventional take on a men's suit with a voluminous skirt, was also considered striking. Sydney, granddaughter of Jack Lemmon, opted for a black statement blazer by Emily Dawn Long paired with bedazzled red knickers.
Allison Janney appeared in a bright pink sculptural gown by Christian Siriano with exaggerated sleeves, a detail that divided opinion. Vera Wang, 77, presented a two-piece black outfit with a leather trench, accessorized with a large gold ring and her hair in pigtails, a look some felt was not cohesive.
Megan Thee Stallion chose a bold burgundy gown from Kim Shui. Pamela Anderson was noted for her Old Hollywood glam in a black halter-neck dress by Carolina Herrera. Lila Moss wore a strapless black column gown from Juju Vera Studio, elevated by a fringed wrap and a delicate headpiece.
Lupita Nyong'o showcased a red crop top and matching skirt, while Rose Byrne wore a black-and-white polka-dot gown by Carolina Herrera. Zoe Kravitz sported a custom Yves Saint Laurent gold tea dress with structural elements. Naomi Osaka appeared in a voluminous one-shoulder gown by Miss Claire Sullivan, featuring a ruched waistline and a black bow. The event celebrated a wide array of personal style interpretations within the fashion industry.