2012 CFDA Awards

Every year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, gives out the most prestigious American Fashion awards. The past winners have included Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenberg, etc. etc. The awards only go to the best of the best, and can truly launch a career. (To learn more about each designer, click the link in their name.)

This year's nominees are:

Womenswear Designer of the Year

• Ashley Olsen & Mary Kate Olsen for The Row
• Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler
• Marc Jacobs

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in The Row

Menswear Designer of the Year

• Billy Reid
• Patrik Ervell
• Simon Spurr

Simon Spurr with Stephen Moyer

Accessory Designer of the Year

• Alexander Wang
• Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler
• Reed Krakoff

Michelle Obama with Reed Krakoff bag

Swarovski Award for Womenswear

• Chris Peters and Shane Gabier for Creatures of the Wind
• Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis for Suno
• Joseph Altuzarra

Swarovski Award for Menswear

• Antonio Azzuolo
• Phillip Lim
• Todd Snyder

Kanye West in Phillip Lim

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design

• Irene Neuwirth
• Pamela Love
• Tabitha Simmons

Octavia Spencer wearing Irene Neuwirth  jewels to the SAG Awards

2012 Honorees

• Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award- Tommy Hilfiger
• Founders Award-Andrew Rosen of theory
• International Award-Rei Kawakubo of Commes de Garconnes
• Media Award-Garance Dore Blogger, Scott Schuman of the Sartorialist
• Fashion Icon Award-Johnny Depp

Tommy Hilfiger