The Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Kate Moss, who often appears nude in photographs, for her fashion sense.
During the early 1990s, Moss fueled the craze for waifish models, showing off her exceptionally slim frame in controversial ads for Calvin Klein fragrances. In recent years, though, Moss, 31, became a mother and has become well known for setting trends in her classically eclectic British style.
Among the items Moss popularized are the now ubiquitous Ugg Australia boots and the much coveted Balenciaga handbag. She’s modeled for many of the top fashion houses, including Chanel and Burberry.
David Bowie was to present Moss with her style icon award Monday night at a black-tie gala at Manhattan’s public library.
Other honorees include Diane von Furstenberg, receiving a lifetime achievement award, and Elle publication director Gilles Bensimon for “shaping” fashion visually. Lanvin artistic director Alber Elbaz was to receive the International Award, given to a designer working outside of the U.S. who has made an outstanding creative contribution to the world of fashion.
Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs and Ralph Rucci were competing as the year’s top womenswear designers, and John Bartlett, Ralph Lauren and John Varvatos as the best menswear designers. The nominees for best accessories designer were Jacobs, Michael Kors, jewelers M+J Savitt and Gerard Yosca.
Presenters were to include Liev Schrieber, Iman, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Catherine Deneuve.
Winners are selected by more than 450 fashion designers, press, retailers and stylists.