Great Outfits in Fashion History: Stephen Burrows Muse Pat Cleveland Wearing His Designs in 2006

He was receiving the Board of Director's Special Tribute at the CFDA Awards, so the model came out to support.

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In 'Great Outfits in Fashion History,' Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

When we're rattling off some of the great designer/muse pairings in fashion history, Stephen Burrows and Pat Cleveland are near the top of my list.

The designer's relationship with the supermodel goes back decades, and has been filled with iconic moments (the Battle of Versailles!) and many memorable looks. A personal favorite is the dress Cleveland wore to the 2006 CFDA Awards, where Burrows received the Board of Director's Special Tribute: a turquoise blue, ruffle tiered-hem slip gown, topped with a matching evening jacket with contrast lime-green lining. It hits on so many of his brand's signatures — bold use color, a party-ready silhouette, easy but playful movement. Cleveland did her hair in a retro bob and accessorized with minimal jewelry and a pop of red in the heels.

What's extra special about this look is how transcends time: You could see a celebrity wearing this to a red carpet today — or even the 2023 CFDA Awards. (That would be epic.) That speaks to Burrow's vision and his talent, to be able to create something that speaks to a range of audiences and eras.

Channel Cleveland with the electric-blue dresses below.

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