‘Enormous honour’ - Rachel Scott wins second CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year award
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Future arrives at the CFDA Fashion Awards. Photo - AP
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Future arrives at the CFDA Fashion Awards. Photo - AP
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Travis Scott poses for the camera on the red carpet. Photo - AP
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Fashion designer Rachel Scott (centre) poses with Actress Lupita Nyong’o and Brazilian Designer Francisco Costa after she was named American Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2026 Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Awards. Photo - @diotima.world
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Keke Palmer hosted the CFDA Fashion Awards in vintage Bob Mackie. Photo - AP
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Iman poses on the carpet in vintage 2006 Issac Mizrahi. Photo - AP
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Designer Kim Shui (left) poses with Megan Thee Stallion, who wears a custom look by Shui. Photo - AP
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Anna Wintour arrives at the CFDA Fashion Awards, hosted by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, at The American Museum of Natural History on Monday in New York. Photo - AP
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Designer Christopher John Rogers (left) and Tinashe, who wears Christopher John Rogers for the occasion. Photo - AP
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Image Architect Law Roach is flanked by singers Brandy in Sergio Hudson and Monica in Cult Gaia. Photo - AP
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Jamaican-American designer Brandon Blackwood and his ‘angels’ Aweng Chuol (left) and Olandria Carthen (right), both in Brandon Blackwood. Photo - @brandonblackwoodnyc
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Lupita Nyong’o dons custom GapStudio by Zac Posen. Photo - AP
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Olandria wears Brandon Blackwood with a Spectrum necklace and Oscar Heyman earrings. Photo - AP
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Naomi Osaka in polka dots by Miss Claire Sullivan and Rahaminov. Photo - AP
“An enormous honour.”
Those were the words of Jamaican fashion designer Rachel Scott after she was named American Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2026 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards for the second time.
Scott, founder and creative director of New York-based label Diotima, received the award at Monday night’s ceremony, held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. She emerged ahead of fellow nominees Catherine Holstein of Khaite, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Wes Gordon of Carolina Herrera.
In a Thursday post on the @diotima.world Instagram account, Scott thanked the CFDA.
“Thank you @cfda for seeing us. Thank you to our indomitable team for your belief, commitment, brilliance and love,” said Scott.
She also thanked Indya Moore, who wore a Spring 2027 look by Diotima to the event, for her “light and magic” and actress Lupita Nyong’o and Brazilian designer Francisco Costa for their kindness.
The win marks Scott’s second time receiving the honour. She first claimed the title in 2024. In 2023, she was named CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year.
Founded in 2021, Diotima has established a distinctive identity through its fusion of Caribbean heritage, contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. The label is particularly recognised for its intricate crochet pieces, made by Jamaican artisans, alongside its tailored separates and distinctive approach to luxury.
In September 2025, she was appointed creative director of American fashion house Proenza Schouler, succeeding founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, who departed to lead Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe. She continues to lead Diotima while overseeing the creative direction of Proenza Schouler.
Other winners at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards included Ralph Lauren, who received American Menswear Designer of the Year; jewellery designer Ana Khouri, who won American Accessory Designer of the Year; and Colleen Allen, who was named Google American Emerging Designer of the Year.
Among the special honourees, Anthony Vaccarello received International Designer of the Year for his work at Saint Laurent, while Tory Burch was presented with the Positive Change Award.
Hosted by Keke Palmer, the ceremony celebrated leading talents and contributions across the American and international fashion industries.
lifestyle@gleanerjm.com