Minimal Waste and a Recycled Red Carpet: Inside This Year’s CFDA Awards Dinner

For the first time in its 37-year history, the CFDA Fashion Awards crossed the East River. After stints at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, The New York Public Library, and Hammerstein Ballroom, the CFDA unrolled the red carpet at the Brooklyn Museum—only this was not your run of the mill event carpet. The graphic black and white textile, created by Aquafil and Eco Age, was woven with what was once waste from our oceans and landfills. “The carpet on the floor tonight came from fishing nets and used carpets,” explained Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of Aquafil.

The fiber, called ECONYL® regenerated nylon (now in use by brands like Gucci, Stella McCartney, and H&M), can be recycled infinitely without ever losing its quality. And Aquafil intends to do just that. “After the ceremony, the intention is to reuse it," Bonazzi continues. "To walk on it for just a few hours and not repurpose the product does not make sense, ethically.”

After arrivals, showgoers, which included the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Edward Enninful, Virgil Abloh, Aurora James and Thom Browne, made their way to the museum’s Beaux Arts Court for the evening's dinner and awards ceremony. The decor at the awards was spirited and colorful and was inspired by much of the artwork in the museum's nearby galleries. On the tables, organic-shaped resin placemats in shades of blue and green were inspired by Calder and Matisse and centerpieces evoked Dutch still lifes as Stefan Beckman, the Awards Creative Director of Stage Design & Décor, explained. “The decor for the tabletop was a giant fruit bowl with summer fruits like cherries, clementines, and kumquats crystallized by Swarovski," said Beckman. “The whole evening feels more intimate than it’s ever felt.” (And keeping with the CFDA's environmentally and socially-minded efforts, leftover items, such as the fruits that graced table tops, will be donated to City Harvest upon the close of the event.)

Another artist was called upon in the creation of the awards; Brooklyn-based Christina Zimpel provided all the graphics throughout the night. On the stage, in lieu of photographic representations of all the nominees and honorees, Zimpel's expressive drawings were projected. Her artful portraits of Tom Ford, the Brock designers, Donatella Versace, and more added a touch more playfulness to the night. “The established designers are so iconic, so there was history to draw on,” Zimpel says of her creative process. “But with emerging designers, I draw on body language to get to know them.”

Awards were doled out over a meal provided by Great Performances. And the menu was not something to be brushed over, either: braised short rib, truffled pomme puree, and Provence gremolata was served—many vegetables having been sourced from Great Performance's organic farm.

Tonight and in years past, the CFDA proved yet again that sustainability and ethicality need not be limited to fashion on the runway—our industry's vibrant social scene can be just as green.

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