Costa, Ford and Burch are fashion's big winners

Garment Ornament Costa, Ford and Burch are — Francisco Costa, Tom Ford and Tory Burch werethe big winners at Monday night's Council of Fashion Designer ofAmerica awards, the industry's top honor. Costa, designer for Calvin Klein, was beckoned to the podium byactress Eva Mendes, who had presented the prize alongside VictoriaBeckham and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Each seemed to be a cheerleader forher favorite designer — Mendes in a sleek white gown forCosta, Beckham in a short, pouffy minidress for Marc Jacobs andGyllenhaal in a green-and-black checkerboard tunic for ProenzaSchouler. "I sincerely appreciate all your help," Costa told the editors,stylists and retailers who for the second time voted him the bestwomenswear designer. The CFDA awards, marking their 26th year, have come to be anintersection of celebrities and fashion insiders, causing a majortraffic jam outside the landmark New York Public Library where theceremony is held. Eva Longoria Parker, Tony Parker, Kim Cattrall,Mandy Moore, Lauren Hutton, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Hilary Duffwere among those mingling with the likes of Ralph Lauren, DonnaKaran, Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera. Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended — but not as a guest. Hereceived his own award from the CFDA Board of Directors for hiscommitment to keeping the city's garment industry thriving. He mused about receiving an honor that in previous years has goneto Ford, Oleg Cassini and Bono. "Who would've thunk it?" he askedthe crowd that had risen for a standing ovation. Bloomberg, in a lilac-colored bow tie, also joked that he wouldhave worn something more stylish, but "my skinny jeans are at thecleaners and my gladiator sandals are being resoled." He then proudly reported that 800 fashion companies are based inNew York, double that of its nearest competitor, Paris. Parisian designer Yves Saint Laurent, who died Sunday of braincancer at age 71, was on the mind of many in the fashion community.CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, wearing a vintage YSLtuxedo-style pantsuit, opened the ceremony with a tribute. "Yves was an artist who always surprised us," she said of herlongtime friend. "He used to say he wanted to be Matisse, but Ithink Matisse would have wanted to be him." The emcee of night, humorist Fran Lebowitz, wore a cream-coloredtuxedo jacket made by her favorite tailors in London. She oftenwears menswear-style jackets but never ties, she said. "I believe a woman, when she gets dressed for the evening, sheshould leave at least one thing to the imagination," shedeadpanned. When Ford accepted his award as menswear designer of the year, hesaid that despite the other accolades he received during his tenureat Gucci, he couldn't feel jaded toward an award bestowed upon himby his peers, particularly for his relatively new namesakecollection. "I didn't expect to be here. I'm so happy to be here," he said. Burch, whose signature ballet flats with a round metallic ornamenthave become a staple of tastemakers, said her win was "surreal." Afirst-time nominee, she beat out industry veterans Michael Kors andJacobs in the accessories category. "I feel so privileged to be a part of this industry," she said. Meanwhile Carolina Herrera, in a chic white pantsuit, was even moremagnanimous in accepting her lifetime achievement award: "Thank youNew York for opening up your arms to me. I love you all."