A Night of Surprises and Celebrations
It has been an extraordinary year for Rachel Scott, the brilliant mind behind Diotima. This remarkable designer found herself in the spotlight as a runner-up for the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, a finalist for the coveted LVMH Prize, and dressing some of the brightest stars in the entertainment industry, including Keke Palmer, Doja Cat, and Gabrielle Union. In her own words, "This has been such a major year for Diotima with the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund prize and the LVMH finals, but those were both competitions that we applied for and worked really hard on."
A Surprise Nomination
The pinnacle of this exciting journey came when Rachel Scott earned a CFDA nomination for Emerging Designer of the Year, a moment that took her by surprise. Diotima, the label she launched in 2021, had garnered the attention and admiration of the CFDA community, a group of fashion leaders and designers she considers her heroes. In her own words, "To be nominated by this community is really such an honor, and I still can’t believe they even know about me and the brand!"
CFDA Awards Night
Recently, the fashion world witnessed a historic moment when Rachel Scott was awarded the CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year. Diotima’s unique and mesmerizing pieces, which incorporate traditional crochet work from Rachel’s native Jamaica, have been turning heads in the industry. Last night, Scott not only took home the award but also dressed some of the most influential figures in fashion, including Ayesha Curry, Aurora James, Ricky De Sole, and Eva Chen. Her guest, the stunning model Kai Newman, was also among those graced by her designs.
A Designer’s Journey
While preparing for the prestigious CFDA Awards, Rachel Scott focused her energy on dressing the incredible and powerful women she had the privilege of outfitting for the evening. As she explains, "For most of the lead-up, I had not been thinking about [the ceremony] much, because I really didn’t think I was going to be awarded. Instead, I focused on dressing an incredible and powerful group of women who so kindly asked me for their looks." However, her friends and mentors encouraged her to relish the special moment, which also included attending Christopher John Rogers’s after party. As for the future, she plans to celebrate her well-deserved win with her dedicated Diotima team and her beloved community.
A Look That’s True to Herself
For her own look on this significant evening, Rachel Scott remained true to her personal style. She chose to elevate her everyday style, creating a look that was a perfect reflection of herself. She describes her outfit, saying, "My look was a dressed up version of how I dress every day, a mixture of showing skin, while being covered up, my favorite crystal mesh with fringe for some ASMR drama while walking, a blazer with crochet from Jamaica, and a carved wood heart with gold leaf by Jamaican artist Laura Facey as a talisman." Her aim was to feel comfortable and authentic in her attire.
Behind the Scenes of the CFDA Awards Prep
In an exclusive look behind the scenes of her CFDA Awards preparations, Rachel Scott invites Vogue to witness the journey that led to this remarkable achievement. Her dedication, creativity, and passion have propelled Diotima to new heights, earning her the admiration and recognition she rightfully deserves.
Diotima’s Rachel Scott Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Her CFDAs Night in a tale of talent, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to her unique vision in the world of fashion.
Dressing the Stars: Rachel Scott’s CFDA Triumph
How did Diotima’s Rachel Scott prepare for the CFDA night?
To prepare for the CFDA Awards night, Rachel Scott took a unique approach. While most of the lead-up to the event was dominated by the anticipation of winning, she chose to divert her focus. Instead of dwelling on the ceremony, she dedicated her energy to dressing an exceptional group of women who graciously requested her designs for the evening. It was a selfless act that showcased her commitment to her craft. Encouragement from friends and mentors further bolstered her spirits. The celebration extended beyond the awards show, as she also attended Christopher John Rogers’s after party. Looking ahead, Rachel Scott plans to commemorate her well-deserved win with her dedicated Diotima team and the supportive community that has been an integral part of her journey.
What does CFDA Awards stand for?
The CFDA Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of American fashion," represent a prestigious annual event hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Held at the American Museum of Natural History in uptown Manhattan, it serves as a gathering point for A-list celebrities and the fashion elite. This star-studded occasion celebrates and honors the outstanding achievements in American fashion and design, making it a significant and highly-anticipated event in the fashion industry.
Where are the CFDA Awards 2023?
The CFDA Awards for the year 2023 took place at the renowned American Museum of Natural History. This iconic venue in uptown Manhattan served as the backdrop for the prestigious event. Under the theme, "Fashion Is a Dream We Can All Live In," the CFDA celebrated the excellence and creativity of American fashion. The evening was inaugurated by Thom Browne, the chairman of CFDA, who set the tone for a memorable night honoring the best in the fashion industry.
What does the Council of Fashion Designers of America do?
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is a non-profit trade association with a rich history, established in 1962. Comprising over 500 prominent designers specializing in womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessories, the CFDA plays a crucial role in the American fashion industry. Its mission is to enhance the influence of American fashion on the global economy, making it a driving force behind the promotion and support of fashion talent within the United States.
Who runs the CFDA?
As of January 2023, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is led by Thom Browne, who holds the position of chairman. Thom Browne succeeded Tom Ford, who served as chairman for a three-year term. Notably, Diane von Furstenberg chaired the CFDA for an impressive 13-year period from 2006 to 2019. The CFDA was founded in 1962, and one of its founding members is Bill Blass.
How do you get into the CFDA?
Becoming a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is an exclusive process. Membership is strictly by invitation and election only, emphasizing the organization’s selective approach to welcoming individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of fashion.
