The Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards (otherwise known as the Academy Awards of the fashion world) took place Monday night (June 6) at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
The CDFA’s recognize outstanding contributions made to American fashion by individuals from all areas of the industry and related arts, with awards being given for design excellence in womenswear, menswear, and accessories as well as accomplishments in journalism, creative vision, and lifetime achievement.
The ceremony, hosted by actor/comedian Joel McHale, was attended by singers Ciara, Jason Derulo, Lion Babe, Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange and more.
Jennifer Hudson took the stage for a special performance, including a tribute to Prince.
The big surprise of the night though was when Beyoncé was honored with the CDFA Fashion Icon Award, which she was presented with by famed designer Diane von Furstenberg.
Taking the stage in a sparkling pinstripe Givenchy suit and large wide brim hat, which she wears during her “Formation World Tour,” the superstar thanked her mother Tina Knowles in her touching speech for the many costumes and gowns she made her over the years.
Bey also talked about how Destiny’s Child struggled getting designers to dress them before they were superstars, and sent a strong message about positive body image to the designers in the room.
“We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection,” Beyoncé said. “Soul has no color, no shape, no form. Just like all your work, it goes so far beyond what the eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and see the flaws and true beauty that’s inside all of us.”
On another note, the event marked the first time that Beyoncé and JAY Z had been at the same pubic function as fashion designer Rachel Roy, believed by many to be the inspiration behind the singer’s now famous “Becky with the good hair” line.
Check out the photos and watch footage of Bey’s speech below.
(Photos by Theo Wargo and Jamie McCarthy for Getty Images)
