Just ahead of the SS19 menswear shows, all eyes were on New York for this year’s CFDA Awards. The American equivalent of the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards, the night is all about celebrating American (and international) talent. Here’s everything that happened at the event.

ISSA RAE HOSTED (AND SLAYED)

The star of Insecure was tapped as the host for this year’s event – making history as the first black woman to do so. After hanging out with Tracee Ellis Ross (who was also attending) on the plane into NYC, Rae took to the red carpet in a sparking, blue Pyer Moss jumpsuit. The definition of #BlackGirlMagic, her belt read ‘Every Nigga Is A Star’. If your wig hadn’t already been snatched, she changed into a lime green suit once inside to present. We are not worthy!

SUPREME REIGNED SUPREME

Earlier this year, Supreme’s James Jebbia was announced as one of the nominations in the runnings for Menswear Designer of the Year, prompting the question: is this the end of anti-establishment Supreme? Who knows, but the brand ended up taking home the award last night, beating the likes of Raf Simons, Virgil Abloh, and Tom Ford. In his speech, the founder acknowledged any skepticism saying: “I’ve never considered Supreme to be a fashion company or myself a designer, but I appreciate your recognition for all we do.” We can’t imagine it being possible to become even more hyped as a brand following its win, but watch this space.

RAF, DONATELLA AND NAOMI ALSO WON PRIZES

Elsewhere on the night, Raf Simons took home his third award since he took over the helm of Calvin Klein, winning Womenswear Designer of the Year for the second year running. Other winners included Donatella Versace for the International Award, Sies Marjan’s Sander Lak for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, and Naomi Campbell took home the Fashion Icon Award. Dressed in Simons’ Calvin Klein designs, the supermodel iconic looked (as always). The only question we have: how has it taken this long for her to be honoured?

THERE WAS A NEW AWARD

For the first time ever, the CFDAs had an ‘Influencer Award’, unsurprisingly going to the ultimate influencer, Kim Kardashian West. On Instagram, she thanked Burberry’s Riccardo Tisci as “the first person who gave me a chance,” and then Kanye West when she accepted her award. “I’m super inspired by my husband fashion wise,” she said. “He really helps me with all my looks and my makeover if you want to call it that. He is my best stylist.” Can we credit him as the mastermind behind her cream Rick Owens evening gown?

AND… WHOOPI GOLDBERG WAS THERE

Among the unanticipated guests of the night – Oprah we’re looking at you – the most unexpected was Whoopi Goldberg in a hot pink tailored ensemble. After starring in last year’s all-black Pirelli Calendar, and making a number of appearances at fashion week, Goldberg has proven that she’s not unexpected at all. Here’s to hoping the actress will host next year’s awards.